Lithuania seizes record cocaine shipment

Lithuanian police have found around 600 kilograms of cocaine in a coal shipment from Colombia, announced the officers on Tuesday.

The discovery follows the record which was set just three months ago when Lithuanian police handpicked 239 metric tonnes of coal and found 100 kilograms of cocaine.

According to Lithuanian police, another 500 kilograms of cocaine have been found when continuing the investigation and handpicking another 128 tonnes of the seized coal at the end of September.

"This is the largest amount of seized cocaine in the history of Lithuanian police," said the police in an announcement on Tuesday, noting the retail value of the drugs totals at 40 million euros (45 million U.S. dollars).

The authorities believe the destination of cocaine was Russia.

"Even on a global scale, it is a large amount. Lithuania definitely does not need this amount," Linas Pernavas, Police Commissioner General, was quoted as saying by BNS news agency at a news conference.

After several years of special wide range operation, police authorities have identified five undercover companies in Lithuania, Ukraine and Russia used in drug trafficking scheme.

Suspicions have been brought against 11 persons. Suspected drug traffickers may face up to 15 years in prison.

One of the suspected coordinators of the cocaine smuggling may be hiding in Germany, announced Lithuanian police. Endit