Record 1.5 tonnes of hashish seized on Russia route
Lithuanian criminal police seized about 1.5 tonnes of Moroccan hashish hidden in a truck near the Latvian border on 13 February 2019, the country's largest seizure ever. Three suspects aged 40 to 50 were arrested, including the owner of a local cargo company.
Lithuanian police announced on 13 February 2019 that they had seized1.5 tons of hashish worth around 20 million euros, the largest seizure in the country’s history.[1][2]The cargo, hidden in a truck, was intercepted in a joint operation of the criminal police and prosecutors near the Lithuanian and Latvian border after a long, secret investigation into an international trafficking network.[1]
Police chief Linas Pernavas said the hashish of Moroccan origin had come through Spain and was bound for Russia.[1][2]Officers arrested two Lithuanian citizens and one Belarusian, aged 40 to 50, and said more suspects could face 10 to 15 years in prison.[1]One of the suspects owned a local cargo company; police described Lithuania as a transit country for narcotics moving from Morocco, Britain and the Netherlands toward Moscow and St Petersburg.[1][2]
Case data
Every number and detail the sources state, with the sources that state it.
Police searched a man born in 1985's house, outbuildings and greenhouse on Gaižaičių Street in Joniškis district and found cannabis plants, plant parts and dried cannabis. A pre-trial investigation was opened for possession of narcotics without intent to distribute, with the quantity still being clarified.
Police searched a man's house, outbuildings and greenhouse in Gaižaičiai village, Joniškis district, and found cultivated cannabis and drying plant parts. Police said the quantity was still being clarified and opened a pre-trial investigation for possession without intent to distribute.
Two resealable packets of suspected marijuana were found in an apartment stairwell on Vejo Street in Birzai on 9 November 2026. Police seized them for expert examination and opened a pre-trial investigation for possession without intent to distribute.
Vilnius county police detained three people after searches in Vilnius and Šiauliai and said they seized about 130 kilograms of cannabis, one of the largest consignments recorded in Lithuania. Officers also took about 3.5 kilograms of the stimulant 3-CMC and a firearm, and a court ordered all three held in custody.
