Vienna police seize drugs after suspect reaches for loaded pistol

Vienna police have broken up a suspected drug-trafficking group within three days, seizing nearly 13 kilograms of marijuana, about 61 grams of cocaine and several thousand euros in cash, ORF reported Saturday.

The operation began when officers from the unit targeting street crime observed two men handing over a bag in Simmering, a Vienna district. The recipient took a taxi, which police stopped shortly afterwards.

The suspect, a 27-year-old Algerian, initially resisted arrest and injured two police officers. Police said the bag contained about 8.5 kilograms of marijuana. The second man involved in the handover was also arrested.

During a voluntary search of an apartment, officers found four Austrians aged 33 and 36. The apartment contained about 4.3 kilograms of marijuana and 61 grams of cocaine. Further arrests and seizures followed.

Investigators then identified a suspected accomplice who was wanted under an arrest order. Officers found a small amount of methamphetamine and cash on the 25-year-old Syrian.

During a search before he was taken into custody, the man suddenly reached for a loaded pistol hidden in his underwear. Police managed to take the weapon from him in time. He was taken to Josefstadt prison in Vienna.