Authorities in the Leningrad region detained several drug trafficking suspects, according to the regional Ministry of Internal Affairs. The incident unfolded in Murino, a locality that has recently seen heightened police activity as investigators work to disrupt illicit networks involved in distributing controlled substances. The operation was described as thorough, with law enforcement officers accessing the suspects’ residence through multiple entry points to ensure a secure and comprehensive intervention. In total, two individuals were apprehended: a 28-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman. The latter was suspected of acting as a usurer, a detail noted by the regional investigators in their briefing to the press.
During the searches of the captured suspects’ home, investigators reported finding a large quantity of mephedrone and marijuana, both prepared for storage and distribution. In addition to the narcotics, authorities seized a collection of mobile devices, bank cards, laptops and tablets, all believed to be instrumental in the operation of their trafficking scheme. The seizure was presented as a significant step in dismantling the local drug supply chain, with officers outlining how data stored on these devices could provide further evidence and help identify accomplices or customers involved in the illicit trade.
The investigation extended beyond the Murino apartment. Law enforcement teams targeted another location linked to the same network in Lomonosov, where a 41-year-old man operated a garage that was used for storage and release of illegal substances. Inside, officers uncovered 200 grams of methadone alongside scales and packaging materials consistent with drug distribution activities. The discovery underscored the breadth of the operation and prompted the authorities to broaden their inquiry to trace supply lines, methods of distribution, and potential buyers in the region.
A criminal case has been opened against the individuals detained, with charges centered on attempting to sell prohibited substances and participating in organized activity linked to drug trafficking. The case file indicates a plan to pursue all available legal avenues to hold the suspects accountable and to prevent further harm to the community. Prosecutors have emphasized the seriousness of the offenses and the need for a rigorous judicial process to cover the various facets of the alleged crime, including possession, intent to distribute, and the involvement of others in the network.
At present, law enforcement agencies are continuing to take necessary measures to secure additional evidence, identify further co-conspirators, and monitor potential movement of funds tied to the trafficking operation. Officials stressed that the investigation remains active, with ongoing surveillance and follow-up checks aimed at breaking up the entire chain of distribution. The authorities also indicated that additional updates would be provided as the case develops, ensuring transparency while safeguarding sensitive investigative methods.
Historically, instances of drug-related activity have drawn considerable attention in the region, reflecting a broader challenge faced by security services across the country. In related developments, a separate case in Samara province involved a monitoring operation that led to the interception of a drug courier; such reports underscore the persistent, nationwide effort to curb illicit drug networks and protect communities from the harms associated with trafficking and use.