Police arrest 18th suspect in major drug investigation

Police have arrested an 18th person in a major investigation into suspected serious drug offences, including the sale and distribution of drugs, and money laundering, mbl.is reports.

The man was reportedly arrested at Keflavík Airport on Sunday evening after returning from Lisbon. Police are expected to decide later on Monday whether to seek his remand in custody. They have 24 hours to make that decision.

Seventeen people were arrested in coordinated police operations in the capital region on 22 September. Six were initially remanded in custody. Three were released after several days, followed later by a fourth. The remaining two were released before the weekend.

The investigation has included searches, and police have seized a substantial amount of material. According to sources cited by mbl.is, only a small quantity of drugs was found. The investigation has focused in particular on suspected money laundering, and police have not ruled out expanding it to include organised crime.

People under investigation have links to various businesses, including a sandwich shop, a property company, a contracting firm and a car dealership. A sales director at car importer BL was among those arrested. BL has said the company is not involved in the case, and the director has been temporarily relieved of his duties.