Six face trial over alleged cocaine network in Carinthia

Six Romanian nationals are on trial at the Klagenfurt Regional Court over alleged drug trafficking in and around Villach, ORF reported. Prosecutors say the defendants operated a cocaine network, with proceedings expected to last several months.

The case centres on two half-brothers, aged 38 and 47, who allegedly brought several kilograms of cocaine to Carinthia via Albania and Italy. From 2021 until summer 2023, they rented apartments in Villach, where the drugs were distributed to the four other defendants.

The three men and one woman allegedly delivered the cocaine and recruited customers. Prosecutors also say the drugs were deliberately sold in brothels.

Five of the six defendants were questioned by Judge Oliver Kriz on the first day of the trial. The sixth was unable to attend because he is being held in custody in the Netherlands. All five defendants present pleaded not guilty and said they had bought only small quantities of cocaine for personal use.

The investigation began after a drug handover to undercover police officers three years ago. The 33-year-old Romanian woman was working as a prostitute in Carinthia at the time and delivered half a kilogram of cocaine in a package. The quantity had an estimated street value of 35,000 euros.

“I did not know what was in the package,” the woman told the court. One of the main defendants said it was the only time he had obtained such a large quantity of drugs.

Judge Kriz expressed doubt about that account and said the trial would be lengthy. Numerous witnesses have been called, while the undercover officers cannot be questioned until November. A verdict is not expected until next year.

All defendants are presumed innocent.