Drugs discovered in peanut butter - 17 arrests
Authorities in Styria dismantled two major criminal networks involved in large-scale drug trafficking, resulting in the arrest of 17 individuals and the filing of over 50 charges. Large quantities of drugs were also seized, including cocaine, heroin, amphetamines, marijuana, XTC pills, 4-MMC crystals, ketamine, hashish, and methamphetamine, with an estimated black market value of over three million euros.
The two criminal groups operated in different ways: one network smuggled drugs from abroad to Styria using its own couriers, then distributed the drugs to partners before selling them, while the second group obtained drugs from local delivery channels, especially in Graz, and resold them throughout the region for profit.
Investigators discovered that some drugs were hidden in peanut butter jars during smuggling operations, including two kilograms of 4-MMC (mephedrone) seized in a courier's vehicle. This unusual method of concealing drugs highlights the complexity and scale of the operations.
Seventeen suspects were arrested, including 16 men and one woman, aged between 21 and 57 years. Authorities conducted 18 home searches and filed reports against more than 50 individuals for committing various crimes, including drug law violations, theft, coercion, and weapons-related offenses.
Sentences have already been issued for several years for most of the defendants, while six of them are still awaiting trial—four in Graz-Jakomini prison and two are still at large. These investigations represent a major blow to organized drug trafficking in Styria, as operations that had been active for more than a year have been disrupted.