In a nationwide crackdown, Polish police dismantled an opioid‑drug syndicate that killed four women, exposing a network of prescriptions, illegal drugs and predatory sales.
Police dismantled an opioid‑drug syndicate
In September 2024, police seized a 19‑year‑old woman’s body in an apartment on Kraków’s Kazimierz street. A 35‑year‑old man was arrested, with a large stock of opioids seized. Autopsy indicated the girl may have overdosed on drugs he supplied. He claimed the prescriptions were for his disability. Prosecutors charged him with failure to aid and drug trafficking; he is now in custody.
Body of woman found in elevator
Early 2025, police discovered the naked remains of a woman in the elevator of a Prądnik Biały block. Evidence showed the body was moved from another flat. A 26‑year‑old man was detained after drugs, psychotropics and injection equipment were found in his apartment. A 27‑year‑old female had come to him for opioids and killed herself; he moved the body to the elevator and was arrested.
Police uncovered a drug‑trading group, including opioids
In June, a young woman was found in dangerous condition in a flat. A 36‑year‑old male, who supplied her illegally obtained psychotropics, was identified as a member of an opioid‑drug trafficking group. She tried to kill herself after drug use. Two months later, police arrested three women linked to him as supply sources. Earlier arrested men remain in custody. In seized apartments, authorities found large amounts of opioids, benzodiazepines, other drugs, phones, SIM cards, syringes and needles. Suspects aged 25‑36 were indicted and temporarily detained.
Doctor supplied prescriptions for illicit trade
In November, a 58‑year‑old doctor from Lower Silesia was arrested for allegedly writing prescriptions for strong painkillers for money and selling them on the black market. The volume of prescriptions was so high that he also forged the PESEL numbers of unwitting patients. He was charged with false documents and drug trafficking. He was taken into custody. Police also detained four additional persons—a 42‑year‑old woman from Kraków, a 23‑year‑old from Lublin, and a pair, 23‑year‑old and 20‑year‑old from Gdańsk—who all collaborated with the doctor to obtain and sell prescriptions.
Victims were young women in crisis
Police say drugs were often sold even by single tablets. Buyers were mainly young women in difficult life situations who sought help but fell prey to criminals. Many became victims of brutal sexual exploitation. Investigators recorded four deaths from illegal drug use; police are also examining two 2021 cases. Further arrests are anticipated.
