Drug Trafficking with 100 Kilos of Heroin in Graz: 54-Year-Old Convicted
Since December 2023, the man from Montenegro has been on trial. He is alleged to have been involved in an international drug ring and to have stored drugs from Colombia in the greater Graz area for resale to the USA. The case involves more than 100 kilograms of heroin, which were never found. The defendant remained silent.
In the fall of 2020, the accused is said to have participated in the international drug network, according to the indictment. Together with others, large quantities of drugs, particularly cocaine and heroin, were reportedly sold from Colombia through Europe to North America. The 54-year-old is said to have taken over the import in Austria and also stored the goods. Additionally, he allegedly contacted potential buyers from overseas, offered them samples, and was responsible for concluding purchase contracts and further transport by plane to America.
Deal Over 2.2 Million Euros Called Off at the Last Moment
The gang communicated using a special end-to-end encrypted crypto messenger service, but the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was on the trail of the drug ring. Undercover investigators contacted the Montenegrin living in Styria around the turn of the year 2020/21, posing as potential buyers. Apparently, several meetings took place, including in Vienna and in the parking garage of Graz airport. Samples were handed over and the purchase price was discussed. Initially, the defendant offered the investigators 200 kilograms of heroin, later they agreed on a deal with 117 kilograms, with a purchase price of 19,000 euros per kilogram. Thus, the deal involved more than 2.2 million euros, with the street value likely being significantly higher.
The handover was scheduled for April 20, 2021, but it never happened: The dealers became suspicious and called off the handover. The 54-year-old was arrested on the same day and taken into custody.
Years of Back and Forth Between Authorities
This was followed by years of back and forth between authorities, as the USA sought the extradition of the 54-year-old. However, the Austrian judiciary did not comply, as the accused has a son in Austria, and initiated the investigation in Graz.
Since December 2023, multiple hearings have taken place, with the defendant denying everything, despite evaluated chats from the crypto messenger service and statements from the DEA's undercover investigators heavily incriminating him. He did not immediately accept the verdict on Friday, instead taking three days to consider. The prosecution also made no statement.
(APA/Red)
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