Lithuanian scientist stands trial in major illegal drug production case

A Lithuanian court has begun hearing a high-profile case involving the illegal production of psychotropic substances, with biomedical scientist Adas Darinskas among the defendants, LRT reports.

Vilnius Regional Court opened proceedings on Monday in a case where three individuals—including Darinskas—face charges of large-scale illegal manufacture, acquisition, possession, and transport of psychotropic drugs intended for sale in Ireland. The other defendants are Artūras Kasinskis and Vaidas Vilmantas.

Prosecutors allege the group operated as an organised criminal network driven by financial gain. During the first hearing, charges were formally read and defendants stated their positions on guilt and evidence. The court scheduled witness testimony for the next session on May 7.

Under Lithuanian law, illegal production or trafficking of large quantities of psychotropic substances carries a prison sentence of 10 to 15 years. Manufacturing equipment or distributing production instructions for such drugs is punishable by fines, restricted freedom, arrest, or up to four years’ imprisonment.

Police raid uncovers lab-linked drug operation

A covert police operation in October 2024 revealed that a high-tech laboratory, established by Lithuanian scientists for biomedical research, was allegedly repurposed for illegal drug synthesis. Authorities seized 4.707 kg of pure alprazolam—a controlled benzodiazepine used in anti-anxiety medication—enough to produce over 4.7 million single doses.

Investigators claim the operation was profit-driven, citing over €400,000 in cash found during searches, some marked as payment for psychotropic substances. Two defendants worked at the lab, which officially conducted stem cell research, immunotechnology studies, and cancer vaccine development.

Searches of a defendant’s home also uncovered detailed instructions for manufacturing metamfetamine, listing required reagents, equipment, and step-by-step synthesis procedures. Additional materials linked to amfetamine and metamfetamine production were confiscated from the workplace.

Calls for legal reforms amid ongoing investigation

News portal Delfi reported that Liutauras Labanauskas, president of the Lithuanian Medical Association, proposed amendments to the Criminal Code during the investigation. While lawmakers linked the proposal to Darinskas’s case, Labanauskas denied any connection, stating the changes aimed to ease regulatory burdens on medical professionals.

Alprazolam, the primary drug in question, is a prescription anxiolytic known commercially as Xanax. Authorities note its high abuse potential due to euphoric effects, making it a target for illicit trafficking networks.