Police arrest man for extortion, discover unexpected drug stash

Authorities in Croatia have apprehended a 55-year-old man in Sveti Ivan Zelina, accusing him of extortion and the illegal production and distribution of drugs. The investigation suggests the man operated a drug dealing operation from his home, involving the storage, weighing, and repackaging of cocaine.

According to investigators, the suspect supplied cocaine to a 53-year-old victim in April of the previous year, agreeing on deferred payment. Despite the victim settling a portion of the debt, the suspect allegedly continued to demand an additional 16,000 euros for a debt that did not exist. To enforce this demand, the suspect reportedly issued serious threats against the victim and his family, leading the victim to fear for their safety and report the matter to the police.

A search of the suspect's residence uncovered 18 packages of cocaine, totaling more than 79 grams, along with two digital scales bearing traces of the drug. This evidence supports the suspicion that the man was actively involved in further drug distribution. Following the completion of the criminal investigation, the 55-year-old suspect was handed over to the detention supervisor, and a special report was filed with the Municipal State Attorney's Office in Zagreb.