- Commencement of trial for alleged cannabis cultivation syndicate
Following a significant drug bust back in Mönchengladbach and Hoexter, eight months ago, a trial against four suspected ring leaders kicks off tomorrow (at 9:30 AM) at the Regional Court of Mönchengladbach.
As per the charges, these men established a criminal organization in January 2022. They then ran 13 cannabis farms spread across the Lower Rhine and East Westphalia areas - in Hoexter, Mönchengladbach, Willich, Gangelt, Salzkotten, Borchen, Lage, Bahrenburg, and Twistringen.
Based on the accusations, each individual's role within the organization was supposedly quite clear-cut. A 27-year-old allegedly scouted out potential properties and covered related expenses. The three other defendants are charged with aiding in the operation of these farms and the distribution of cannabis in various forms. This included renting buildings, setting up and equipping the farms, and hiring necessary staff, according to the charges.
Mountains of sealed drug parcels
However, in January, authorities took action. During raids in Mönchengladbach and Hoexter, police confiscated two farms harboring around 600 cannabis plants each, as well as mountains of sealed drug packages, weapons, a substantial amount of cash, and seven vehicles. The accused, along with their suspected associates, had been under surveillance for months and their communications had been intercepted.
So far, the four men have remained silent on the charges. One defendant has only spoken up about the rental of rooms. In July, two alleged associates of the criminal organization were sentenced to 2.5 years in prison by the Hoexter Local Court. These two men admitted to tending to a farm in Steinheim-Vinsebeck from October 2023 to January 2024. According to their statements, they were lured to Hoexter with false job and money offers.
So far, fourteen trial days have been scheduled for the Mönchengladbach trial.
The following is added to the evidence presented during the trial: a detailed report outlining the financial transactions related to the operation of the cannabis farms.
After the conclusion of the trial, it was revealed that 'The following is added' referred to this financial report, which further incriminated the suspects in their involvement in the criminal organization.
