Pubdate: Fri, 01 Nov 2002
Source: Helsingin Sanomat International Edition (Finland)
Copyright: 2002 2000 Helsingin Sanomat
Contact:  http://www.helsinki-hs.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1158

TEENAGERS' DRUG SALES NETWORK UNCOVERED

Members Of Gang And Customers Are From Well-to-do Families

Police in Helsinki have uncovered a drug distribution network mainly 
comprising young people aged 18 and 19. According to a television news 
report on Thursday, the group mainly sold cannabis, as well as a small 
amount of ecstasy.

According to Finland's fourth national television network, TV-Nelonen, the 
group is one of the most extensive drug sales networks uncovered in Finland.

Police have remanded four main suspects in custody. Each of the suspects 
were reported to have about 20 dealers working for them.

Petri Juvonen of the Helsinki police believes that up to 200 young people 
under the age of 20 may be involved in the operations.

Juvonen says that nearly all of the members of the "teen gang" were from 
well-to-do families. None of the main suspects had any prior criminal 
record. Juvonen described the operations of the league as extensive, but 
amateurish, and apparently the drug business has not involved any other 
types of crime.

"The kids are ordinary schoolboys, friends since childhood", Juvonen says.

The users who have been apprehended were also from well-to-do families, and 
lacked criminal backgrounds. They were able to finance their drug use 
without resorting to theft.

Police say that they hope to catch as many users as possible in hopes that 
they can get the kids to stop using drugs.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens