New Zealand drug traffickers caught in Romania while negotiating

Two New Zealand citizens were caught by DIICOT prosecutors while negotiating with a group of Romanian traffickers the transport of large quantities of cocaine from the United States. In this case, eight home searches took place in Ilfov County and Bucharest. Interior Minister Marcel Vela says there is zero tolerance for crime and will continue the offensive against criminals.

Marcel Vela: Three people were tracked internationally by Interpol. On one of the suspects the amount of 50.000 euros was found, in cash, and the deeds of ownership of two buildings, representing a part of the payment of a huge amount of cocaine that should have reached or transited Romania.

Following the activities carried out by the DIICOT prosecutors, the Romanian police managed to prevent an assassination ordered by a Romanian citizen.

Host: The representative of the United States Embassy in Bucharest, Bianca Menendez, congratulated Romania for the fight against crime.

Bianca Menendez: We congratulate Romania for its successful operations and continuous efforts to combat organized crime, especially human trafficking. These crimes threaten vulnerable communities and create an environment of insecurity in society. The United States is ready to support these efforts to bring criminals to justice, provide the necessary services to victims, and contribute to a climate of public safety in Romania.

Translated by: Radu Matei