Major drug ring busted in Istria: Seven arrested, drugs, bombs, and explosives seized

In a significant blow to organized crime in the Istrian region, Croatian police have dismantled a major drug trafficking network, arresting seven suspects and confiscating substantial amounts of illicit substances, cash, weapons, and explosives. The operation, the result of a multi-month investigation, was conducted in collaboration with the Office for the Suppression of Corruption and Organized Crime (USKOK).

Authorities have identified a 34-year-old man as the alleged leader of the criminal association, which is suspected of organizing the procurement, storage, and distribution of cocaine and marijuana across Istria since early 2025. Five other men, aged between 19 and 59, and one woman, aged 30, were allegedly involved, each playing a specific role within the group. Investigators believe the group sourced drugs from the illegal market and concealed them in forest areas near Poreč and Kaštelir-Labinci, with some cocaine reportedly being mixed with fillers to increase volume before sale.

The drugs were then transported to Červar-Porat and hidden in secret locations before reaching end consumers. Investigators estimate that the group sold at least 1.9 kilograms of cocaine and over 330 grams of marijuana during their operations. The suspects are also accused of money laundering, attempting to disguise drug proceeds as legitimate income through bank accounts, mobile wallets, vehicle purchases, and real estate investments.

The final operation involved approximately 80 police officers from Istria and the Primorko-goranska county. During searches of homes, vehicles, and other premises, officers seized nearly three kilograms of cocaine, over three kilograms of marijuana, about 2.5 kilograms of hashish, and more than 17,000 euros in cash. The seizure also included digital scales, vacuum packing devices, mobile phones, and laptops. Notably, police discovered five pistols, three hand grenades, over 150 grams of plastic explosives with detonators, a pistol silencer, and 582 rounds of ammunition. Police officials highlighted this as the largest drug seizure in Istria this year. All suspects have been handed over to detention supervisors, facing charges from USKOK, with additional charges expected for the weapons and explosives found.

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This is the largest drug seizure in the Istrian County this year.