Authorities investigate dangerous drug distribution in Kouvola

Authorities in Kouvola are investigating the distribution of a dangerous drug known as metonitazene in the local street market, according to Lauri Ristola, the lead investigator from the Southeast Finland Police. The police are still determining the quantity involved, but Ristola refrained from disclosing the size of the confiscated shipment or its route to Kouvola. Several individuals with prior drug-related offenses are suspected of involvement in this case, which is being pursued under serious drug crime charges. The case may progress to the prosecution stage as soon as October.

In May, law enforcement seized a significant amount of metonitazene, which they classify as a highly dangerous substance, with just one tablet potentially lethal. The seized metonitazene tablets closely resembled legitimate medication and were packaged in containers typically used for Oxymorphone 40 mg pills. Police indicate that these tablets could be sold on the street as Oxymorphone.

The Southeast Finland Police have issued warnings regarding metonitazene, particularly in the Southeast and Eastern Finland regions, as well as in Helsinki. So far, there have been no recorded drug-related fatalities linked to metonitazene in the Southeast Finland area.