OFF THE WIRE
The Helsinki Drug Squad has uncovered an exceptionally large international narcotics ring linked to the Finnish Hell's Angels chapter. The investigation also turned up the country's largest cannabis factory, run by the notorious motorcycle gxxgPolice confiscated several kilos of amphetamines and cocaine with a potential street value of 800,000 euros. Officials also seized illegal weapons and 200,000 euros in cash. Dozens of people have been arrested in the case, including six high-ranking members of the Finnish Hell's Angels organisation.
Smugglers used hidden vehicle compartments to bring the drugs to Finland. Foreigners with no criminal background were recruited to run the narcotics from central Europe.
Biggest ever cannabis farm
The investigation also turned up a large Hell's Angels cannabis farm–the most extensive to date–near Hanko in south-western Finland. The farm was tucked away behind a brick wall fitted with electric gates.
“The farm was very sophisticated. The facility, the size of a single-family home, was heated year-round,” says police lieutenant Jari Pynnönen.
Police found more than 500 plants and tens of thousands in cash at the farm.
The raid was a culmination of a police investigation launched in 2009.
http://www.yle.fi/uutiset/news/2011/09/police_bust_hells_angels_drug_ring_2855338.html
