Years of investigation and a large number of processes later, the public prosecutor’s office wants to have accused the head of a large drug network. The 40-year-old is charged with four plantations and over half a ton of cannabis. He doesn’t deny that. Nevertheless, he was not the head of drug cultivation and trafficking. It’s life imprisonment!
“We’re not talking about three men in their mid-life crisis lighting up a joint after a barbecue,” the prosecutor reminds. A leading member of a drug gang is said to be sitting in the Vienna Regional Court. “We have well over ten people here who have worked professionally. You won’t be able to produce cannabis more professionally,” said the prosecutor.Many members have already been convictedYears ago, the investigative authorities became aware of the drug ring through an anonymous tip. In June 2018, the big attack followed: Nine arrests and various house searches were the result. A large part of the gang has already been convicted – a 40-year-old is left behind. He traveled to Serbia after the start of his first trial two years ago. Was therefore not tangible for the judiciary to date. Now he too must be in the dock. Growing and trading 523 kilograms brought him before the jury. “The accusation is accurate to the gram,” admits his lawyer Nikolaus Rast. He defends together with lawyer Philipp Wolm. A jury trial because the man is said to have been the head and financier of the drug operation. In an emergency, that means life imprisonment. Four cannabis plantations were discovered and linked to the 40-year-old. Cannabis trade has roots in the Balkans, but the accused drug lord says: “I was never the boss!” Otherwise he would like to ask for your understanding that he will say nothing more. His defense attorney Rast knows why: “There are people who are so dangerous that the accused doesn’t want to say any names.” And these people are said to have been the true leading positions in the drug business. The jury also sees it that way and convicts the accused as a normal member of a criminal organization and for drug trafficking to seven years in prison. The judgment is not final.
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