Customs officers shut down a pregabalin smuggling channel from East Asia. Source: FCS Russia.
Staff of the Main Directorate for Combating Smuggling, the Baltic and North-Western operational customs offices and the Privolzhskaya Customs Directorate halted illegal shipments of the controlled substance. Officers seized 150 kg of pregabalin; FCS Russia estimates its black-market value at over RUB 45 million.
The cargo reached St Petersburg in three 50 kg consignments routed via CIS countries and disguised as consumer goods, including clothing and household appliances. The powder was stored at rented warehouses.
Investigators detained the consignee and the scheme’s organiser. A search of the latter’s flat uncovered capsules for repacking; the drug was to be distributed via dead drops and online channels.
Criminal cases were opened under Article 226.1(1.1) of the Russian Criminal Code. The suspects pleaded guilty; the article provides for up to seven years’ imprisonment.
