Polish man admits smuggling speed but disputes quantity

According to ORF, a 30-year-old Polish man went on trial in Salzburg on Tuesday over allegations that he smuggled about 5.1 kilograms of speed from Poland through the Czech Republic to Austria and sold it in Salzburg.

Prosecutors said his customers included colleagues, housemates and friends. They allege he earned up to 50,000 euros from the drug trade.

Police found drugs and further evidence during a search of his home. Messages stored on his mobile phone also allegedly point to extensive speed dealing.

The defendant admitted smuggling speed but disputed the quantity. He said he had brought about 2.5 kilograms into Austria, not 5.1 kilograms. A verdict was expected on Tuesday.

Speed is the street name for amphetamine, a synthetic stimulant that can increase alertness, wakefulness and self-confidence while suppressing tiredness and exhaustion. A significant physical and psychological crash can follow when its effects wear off.