KRASNODAR. May 23 (Interfax) - Law enforcement agencies have stopped 30 kilograms of cocaine being smuggled to Russia from South America via Novosibirsk.
A group of Russian and Israeli citizens residing in Equador was detained at the time of the acquisition of the Latin American cocaine, the Federal Security Service (FSB) local headquarters told Interfax on Friday.
Firearms and special tools have been seized from the suspects.
"One of the theories is that part of the proceeds from the drug sale was used to finance terrorism in North Caucasus," a spokesperson said.
Efforts are underway to identify yet another suspect who is wanted, he added. "Presumably, he is a native of North Caucasus, who might have links with a gang operating in the Chechen Republic," the spokesperson said.
A criminal investigation has been launched against the detained suspects on the charge of "illegal distribution of drugs in a very large quantity."