Dutch authorities have handed over to Russia a man accused of masterminding a major drug operation that saw millions of dollars' worth of cocaine smuggled into Russia hidden in banana shipments.
The crime ring, operating since 2003, was busted in 2010, but its alleged leader Vladimir Krasavchikov fled prosecution, Russia's Interior Ministry said Saturday.
Krasavchikov was held in the Netherlands in early 2012, but extradition formalities took two years to accomplish, the ministry said in a statement.
The group was stashing away bags of cocaine on transatlantic ships ferrying bananas from Ecuador to St. Petersburg, police said.
Upon arrival, drug couriers disguised as longshoremen picked up the cocaine, leaving ship crews unaware of the extra cargo.
About 70 kilograms of cocaine worth $85 million was seized during the crackdown on the operation in 2010, implying far bigger long-term profits for the group.
The ministry did not specify criminal charges against Krasavchikov, but drug trafficking is punishable with up to 20 years behind bars in Russia.
Nine alleged accomplices of Krasavchikov were already slapped with prison terms in Russia.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
