Arad police detained 17 people following 33 searches in a case involving drug trafficking and psychoactive substances

Police officers and prosecutors in Arad detained 17 people, including two minors, following 33 home searches carried out on Tuesday in two cases involving high-risk drug trafficking and illegal operations involving psychoactive substances. The hearings took place at the Arad office of the Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT).

Investigators allege that, between March and September 2026, more than 15 people procured, stored, possessed, transported and sold drugs and psychoactive products in Arad County. The substances mentioned include 4-CMC, 4-MMC and alpha-ethylaminopentiophenone.

Following the searches, plant-based and crystalline substances pending expert examination, items bearing traces of substances, data storage devices and other evidence were seized. One of the people under investigation is accused of making a property in the municipality of Arad available for themed parties where drugs were allegedly consumed.

On Wednesday, prosecutors requested pretrial detention for nine people and house arrest for another six, for 30 days. More than 40 summons warrants were issued in the case, and the investigation is ongoing. The operation received support from several organized crime-fighting units and gendarmes.