British Roofer Arrested for Alleged Drug Smuggling in Croatia

A British roofer, aged 21, was arrested at Zagreb Airport for allegedly smuggling 39 bags of marijuana weighing over 23kg after a flight from Thailand. Despite initially claiming ignorance of his luggage’s contents, he later alleged coercion. He is now detained awaiting trial, facing serious legal ramifications for drug smuggling in Croatia.

A British roofing contractor, aged 21, has been apprehended for allegedly attempting to smuggle 39 packages of drugs following a flight from Thailand. The incident occurred at Franjo Tuđman Airport in Zagreb, Croatia, where airport customs authorities inspected his suitcase due to its unusual bulging appearance, which was revealed by x-ray technology.

Upon examination, authorities discovered that the suitcase was packed with over 23 kilograms of marijuana. The suspect initially claimed ignorance regarding the contents of his luggage but is now under investigation for drug smuggling. He had traveled through Istanbul before arriving in Croatia.

Local media reported that the suitcase raised alarms among sniffer dogs, prompting further inspection. Inside, authorities found 39 vacuum-sealed bags filled with plant matter, which tests confirmed contained THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. During police questioning, the individual retracted his earlier claims of ignorance, suggesting instead that he was coerced into transporting the drugs.

Following his arrest, he was presented before the Velika Gorica Municipal Prosecutor’s Office and is currently detained awaiting trial. Due to concerns regarding his status as a foreign national, there may be a risk of flight from Croatia, and thus the presiding judge recommended against granting bail. The trial is anticipated to take place in approximately one month. In Croatia, offenses related to cannabis cultivation, distribution, or sales carry a minimum prison sentence of three years.

In summary, a British roofer has been arrested in Croatia for allegedly attempting to smuggle a significant quantity of marijuana after traveling from Thailand. The individual faces serious legal consequences, as drug offenses in Croatia are met with stringent penalties. The case is set to proceed to trial in the coming month, as authorities address the severity of the alleged crime.

Original Source: www.thesun.co.uk