Court sentences three drug offenders to prison terms

Viru County Court has convicted five people, sentencing three to prison, ERR reported. The longest sentence, more than 11 years, was imposed on Kiur Pohlak, whose main activity was drug trafficking.

The verdict was announced at the court’s Rakvere courthouse. The three defendants who received prison terms followed the proceedings by livestream from Viru Prison in Jõhvi.

Judge Jaanika Kõrgmaa said the court largely agreed with the prosecution that Pohlak was guilty of handling large quantities of narcotics, including as part of a group. Prosecutor Marge Voogma said the investigation found that the group, led by Pohlak, mainly sold cannabis.

Investigators identified about 5.5 kilograms of cannabis, of which 1.9 kilograms was seized, as well as about 100 grams of amphetamine, 50 ecstasy tablets and 20 LSD tabs, Voogma said.

Voogma said Pohlak had told the court it was easy to order drugs online from Latvia. Smaller quantities could be sent by post, she said, while larger amounts required travelling to collect them. Drug dealers also made extensive use of hidden drop-off points, according to the prosecutor.

The five defendants were ordered to pay nearly 60,000 euros in court costs. The ruling is not final and can be appealed to the Tartu Circuit Court.