Moldovan police arrest Ukrainian teens and seize 8kg of drugs smuggled from Poland
Chisinau authorities have dismantled a sophisticated international drug trafficking network operating across Poland, Ukraine, Georgia, Romania, and Moldova.
Officers from the National Investigation Inspectorate (INI), working alongside Botanica district prosecutors, concluded a month-long undercover operation. The investigation targeted a criminal cell that used Chisinau as a strategic distribution hub for synthetic narcotics.
Logistics and distribution
Police tracked two Ukrainian nationals—a 19-year-old man and a 17-year-old minor—who relocated from Poland to Moldova specifically to coordinate shipments. The suspects managed two rented apartments in the capital. One served as a reception point for international deliveries, while the second functioned as a high-volume warehouse and packaging facility.
The narcotics were smuggled from Poland via microbuses, disguised as unclaimed luggage and hidden inside food packages to evade detection. Once in Chisinau, the drugs were meticulously weighed and concealed in "dead drops" for mid-level dealers to collect.
The December 24 raid
During coordinated raids on Christmas Eve, law enforcement seized over 8 kilograms of narcotics. The haul included high-purity PVP (synthetic salt), MDMA, mephedrone, cocaine, and ecstasy tablets.
Authorities also confiscated vacuum sealing equipment, electronic scales, and mobile devices used to manage the digital distribution network. The total street value of the seized substances is estimated at over €283,500 (approx. 5.5 million MDL).
Legal consequences
Following the operation, a court ordered a 30-day pre-trial detention for both suspects. Under Moldovan law, the individuals face between 10 and 15 years in prison if convicted of large-scale drug trafficking.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
