hs.fi
The leader of the Finnish chapter of the Hell's Angels biker gang could be facing a prison sentence of at least seven years if he is found guilty in a trial currently taking place in the Helsinki District Court.
The 44-year-old Helsinki resident is charged with aggravated drugs offences in a case in which the police have investigated the illegal import and distribution of amphetamines and cocaine.
The heaviest charges against the gang-leader concern a consignment of two kilos of cocaine, which he and another gang-member are believed to have had in their possession at the end of 2010.
In a search of the man's apartment, a much smaller quantity of cocaine (one gramme) was discovered, along with nearly EUR 90,000 and SEK 50,000 in cash, apparently stuffed in numerous caches - in a wastebin, inside a wetsuit, and in a cleaning cupboard.
The accused denies possession of the kilos of cocaine and and also denies that he would have had the power of authority over the dealing that the prosecutors have alleged.
He claims the monies found were from legal deals in motorcycles and stocks and shares.
The ongoing case in Helsinki is part of a wider international network of drug smuggling and dealing. In raids in Lohja, Lahti and also in Oslo, more than 30 kilos of amphetamines and two kilos of cocaine have been seized by police.
In addition, a working greenhouse with more than 500 cannabis plants was discovered in Hanko.
The scale of the case - and most particularly the fact that police appear to have been able to implicate senior figures in the local Hell's Angels organisation - is unprecedented.
