Latvian State Police opened a criminal case in early 2026 into the illegal group sale of narcotics and arrested five suspects in total.[1] Officers from the Rīga North police department arrested two men born in 2000 and 2001 on 8 January 2026.[1] On 5 June they arrested a man born in 1991, on 30 June another man born in 2001, and on 1 July a man born in 2002.[1] The man born in 2002 had earlier come to police attention over drug trafficking.[1]

In several searches in Rīga, officers seized 30 kilograms of marijuana, more than €7,000 in cash and a crypto wallet.[1] Four of the suspects were placed under non-custodial measures, while the man born in 1991 was remanded in custody.[1] The investigation continues.[2]

The case was opened under section 253.1(2) of the Criminal Law, which covers illegal production, purchase, storage, transport and transfer of narcotics for sale and illegal sale by a group by prior agreement.[1] The offence carries three to ten years in prison, with or without confiscation of property, and probation supervision for up to three years.[3] Police reminded that no one is considered guilty until their guilt is proved in the prescribed manner.[1]