A court in Panevėžys has sentenced several individuals for drug possession and distribution with significant jail terms for major quantities of narcotics.
On January 24, 2025, a ruling by the Panevėžys District Court led to the conviction of four individuals from Panevėžys and one from Šiauliai for drug possession and distribution. One of the accused, M. Z., received a sentence of 10 years and 6 months imprisonment for possessing a very large amount of drugs—over 18 kg of cannabis and 84 grams of cocaine—intending to distribute them. This harsh sentence reflects the serious nature of drug trafficking offenses in Lithuania.
Additionally, Š. Z., who was found with a substantial quantity of drugs including 667 grams of cannabis and 7.42 grams of cocaine, was sentenced to 5 years in prison along with a fine of €5,700. Meanwhile, K. Z. faced a 3-year prison sentence and a €2,000 fine, while M. Š. was also sentenced to 3 years for lesser drug offenses. In contrast, R. Z. from Šiauliai, although guilty of possessing a very large amount of narcotics, avoided imprisonment due to his full admission of guilt, receiving a 2-year restriction of liberty instead.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Lithuanian authorities in combatting drug trafficking, as the judiciary continues to impose significant penalties aimed at deterring such crimes. The severe sentences are indicative of a broader crackdown on drug-related issues, revealing the government's commitment to tackling narcotics and promoting public safety.
