Police in Helsinki report that large quantities of highly-addictive opioids have been distributed in the capital region.
The department's organised crime unit has wrapped up a preliminary investigation surrounding several serious drug crimes. The probe examined the importation and distribution of thousands of OxyContin-branded opioid products across the capital region.
During the unit's preliminary investigation, officers seized more than 60,000 euros in cash, around 1,000 OxyContin tablets, a kilogram of amphetamines and smaller amounts of other drugs.
The probe led investigators to learn that the OxyContin was smuggled from Estonia to Finland.
Police said that 80mg tablets of the very potent drug were selling for more than 100 euros apiece, and were sold online as well as on the street. In Finnish pharmacies, such tablets are available with a prescription for 1.10 euros each, making the suspects' profit margins comparatively large, according to police.
Authorities said the suspects managed to sell more than 190,000 euros worth of the drugs on the street, while another branch of the operation offloaded tablets to a wholesaler for nearly 85,000 euros.
Police said they learned that users typically had ingested the drug by smoking and quickly developed strong addictions to it.
As the case was investigated, police reached out to oxycodone users who had lost their jobs, spent their savings and sold off their possessions due to their addictions. During the probe, officers were forced to file reports with child protection authorities due to their parents' use of the drug.
Warning about the dangers of narcotic use, Police Superintendent Toni Uusikivi said that the preliminary investigation showed that people were susceptible to becoming addicted to opioids regardless of social status, age, gender, or criminal history.
An overdose of oxycodone or its use mixed with other central nervous system depressants can cause breathing problems, coma and death, according to the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).
Dealing with opioid epidemics, North American countries have seen a record number of opioid-related fatalities over the past several years.
Police in Finland are working with the THL and other organisations to prevent such an epidemic from unfolding in the country.
