Three minors suspected of attempted murder in Turku drug-related attack

Three 17-year-olds are suspected of attempted murder, aggravated robbery, and drug offences after a violent incident in Turku in February, Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports. The victim, also a minor, was stabbed during what police describe as a planned drug deal turned robbery.

According to investigators, the suspects had arranged to meet the 17-year-old victim to purchase prescription drugs but instead attempted to rob them. The confrontation escalated into a stabbing, which was interrupted when a bystander arrived at the scene. Two suspects were apprehended the same evening, while the third was arrested later.

Police revealed the group had also attempted a similar robbery the previous night, targeting another drug dealer with a knife. A third incident from the day before is under investigation as aggravated robbery, with the same minors suspected of involvement.

Authorities warned of the growing risk of severe violence in illegal drug transactions, noting that knives and other weapons are increasingly present in such encounters. “Young people involved in these deals often fail to grasp the potential consequences—both for themselves and their victims,” said lead investigator Tuomas Järvenpää in a statement.

One of the suspects was previously convicted of attempted murder in February.