More than two-digit number of weapons seized – news Sørlandet – Local news, TV and radio

– We know that young people in Kristiansand have been contacted by people in the network, says deputy police chief in Agder, Morten Sjustøl. He says the strong influence on vulnerable youth is worrying. The police therefore intensified their work against the network. On Tuesday, the police in Agder campaigned against what they suspect is a large drug network in Southern Norway. 21 people have so far been arrested. In connection with the operation, the police seized between 10 and 20 firearms, both one- and two-handed firearms. According to the police, “not inconsiderable quantities of drugs” and cash have also been seized. – After the action, a large investigative apparatus has been launched, says prosecutor Terje Kaddeberg Skaar. Concerned about recruitment Agder has a high proportion of registered crime among children and young people. The police believe that the action can help slow down the recruitment of young people into criminal circles. – Some time ago we became aware of a local grouping which was growing significantly and where it appeared to us that large quantities of drugs were being traded, says deputy police chief Morten Sjustøl. According to the police’s assessment, this grouping has similarities to groupings seen in Oslo and Sweden. – They have great influence on young people through music, use of symbols and social media, says Sjustøl. As of today, they are aware of 25 organized criminal networks in Southern Norway. Sjustøl believes the action sends an important signal to other groups. – It was therefore very important to prevent this type of grouping from gaining a foothold in the region, says Sjustøl. – We know that this network has inspired children and young people. One of the main aims of this campaign is to prevent further recruitment, says Sjustøl. Photo: Per-Kåre Sandbakk / news Many arrested A total of 14 people have been presented for remand, with the district court upholding 13 of the cases. A total of 21 have been arrested following the operation. All are residents or have connections to towns along the coast in Agder. The police believe they are part of a large criminal network, and have charged them with serious drug offences. According to the police, this carries a penalty of 10 years in prison. All those imprisoned are in their 20s or 30s. Major police operation The police operation started early on Tuesday morning. Around 100 police officers then campaigned against several different addresses in Agder. – Police from all over Agder have been involved with a significant number of officers, said deputy police chief Morten Sjustøl in the Agder police district after the action. The police do not want to answer whether they cooperate with the police elsewhere in the country or abroad. Pimping and human trafficking Agder is the police district in the country with the second most recorded crime in relation to the population, according to the police. As of today, they are aware of 25 organized criminal networks in Southern Norway. Many are linked to the importation and sale of large quantities of drugs. In addition, several networks are also involved in arms sales, pimping, human trafficking, labor crime and serious economic crime. Deputy police chief in Agder, Morten Sjustøl, believes the action sends an important signal to other networks in Southern Norway. – We know that this network has inspired children and young people. One of the main aims of this campaign is to prevent further recruitment, says Sjustøl. Hi! Do you have thoughts about the case you’ve read or suggestions for other things we should check out? Feel free to send me an email! Published 18.10.2024, at 11.02 Updated 18.10.2024, at 12.05



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