FSB detains distributors of 350 kilos of synthetic drugs in Moscow

MOSCOW, November 3. /TASS/. Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has conducted a multi-stage operation to curb the activities of an inter-regional organized crime group whose members specialized in the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, the FSB Public Relations Center told TASS.

At the initial stage FSB officers received information that drug marketing had been organized in Moscow via the Internet, with large quantities of narcotic drugs of synthetic origin sold through various online stores. The persons who controlled the channeling of drugs to the Moscow region were identified, their roles were determined and the marketing scheme used by them was revealed.

"Referring to the characteristic features of the crime group’s activities, it should be noted that its members used extraordinary conspiracy measures, that is, the non-disclosure of places of residence, the use of secret means of communication and the absence of face-to-face meetings. Rank-and-file employees did not know each other personally using false names during meetings. The narcotic drugs were handed over only through hideouts, even among the group members. The storage places were carefully concealed," the FSB noted.

"During the final stage of the operation after the formation of the necessary evidence base a number of investigative operations were conducted to curb the criminal activities by detaining the defendants red-handed. Criminal proceedings have been launched against four people, at least 350 kilograms of synthetic drugs have been discovered and seized. The FSB Investigative Department has opened several criminal cases under part 3 Article 30 and Part 5 Article 228.1 of Russia’s Criminal Code," the FSB said.