Further arrests in connection with the gang war in the Stuttgart area
Investigators focused on eight suspects, seven men aged between 22 and 31 and two women aged 20 and 23. Six arrest warrants that had been obtained prior to the searches were executed. A seventh suspect, against whom an arrest warrant had been issued, was already in pre-trial detention for another offense. At least one of the suspects was reportedly affiliated with one of the rival groups in the Stuttgart area, it was stated.
The suspects were alleged to have smuggled and distributed synthetic cannabinoid-laced paper into a detention facility. The paper in question was described as a "substantial amount" by investigators. Some of the paper was disguised as legal mail and sent to the detention facility.
During searches at 15 locations in Stuttgart and in the districts of Göppingen and Esslingen, items such as the suspected paper, drugs, knives, a baton, and mobile phones were seized. In one residence, a sharp firearm and ammunition were also found. The investigations continued.
State Interior Minister Thomas Strobl (CUD) stated: "We have managed to deal another heavy blow against the criminal groups in the Stuttgart region." The criminal confrontations were to be "persistently and consistently" combated, Strobl added.
There had already been several violent encounters between the two groups, including injured parties from a hand grenade attack on a mourning community at a cemetery in Altbach. There were also repeated shootings in the vicinity of local establishments.
According to investigators, the two groups were allegedly involved in criminal activities. Law enforcement responded with large-scale investigative and control measures to the escalating violence. According to the State Interior Ministry, by Wednesday, 74 arrest warrants had been executed. There were also several indictments and trials, some of which had already resulted in convictions.
The Public Prosecutor's Office is actively investigating the connection between the arrests and the ongoing 'Band War' in the Stuttgart area. Thomas Strobl, the State Interior Minister, commended the efforts of the LKA and the police, stating that this latest operation is another significant step in dismantling criminal groups. The seized items, including drugs, weapons, and mobile phones, are currently being analyzed to gather more evidence. The Public Prosecutor's Office is also looking into the role of women in this criminal network. More arrests are expected as the investigation continues in Stuttgart and its surrounding districts. Despite the challenges, Thomas Strobl remains committed to combating this violence, promising persistent and consistent action.
