Police in Vienna’s 3rd district, Landstraße, have uncovered a drug lab, seizing about one and a half litres of Liquid Ecstasy, scientifically known as GHB. The substance, often referred to as a “date rape drug,” is controlled in Austria due to its strong sedative effects.
The discovery came after the arrest of two Austrian men, aged 20 and 22, at the Zippererstraße U-Bahn station. Officers from the street crime task force detained the pair on Wednesday for allegedly trying to sell cannabis to an undercover officer.
Further investigations led police to the Landstraße address.
Residents Evacuated During Search
A search of the flat, authorised by prosecutors, revealed what police described as a “fully-fledged drug lab.” In addition to the Liquid Ecstasy, officers found a large quantity of pharmaceuticals regulated under the Narcotic Substances Act and the New Psychoactive Substances Act. About 500 grams of cannabis was also seized.
During the search, officers discovered an improvised pyrotechnic device and a defused grenade, prompting the temporary evacuation of other residents in the building.
“For the duration of the investigation of the self-built drug lab, an improvised pyrotechnic device, and a supposedly defused grenade, the other house residents were evacuated for about an hour,” said police spokesperson Philipp Haßlinger.
Specialist teams, including hazardous materials and explosives experts, as well as forensic officers from the Federal Criminal Police Office, assisted with the operation.
Three Men Questioned
A 24-year-old man, believed to be the main suspect, was found inside the flat and taken into custody alongside the two younger men. The younger pair are thought to have bought drugs, including a small amount of Liquid Ecstasy, from the older man.
None of the suspects cooperated during questioning. “The two younger men claimed they had nothing to do with drug production,” said Haßlinger. The 24-year-old, suspected of being the “cook,” refused to make a statement.
The main suspect was briefly hospitalised during the operation due to severe drug intoxication, according to police.
Released Pending Charges
After consultation with prosecutors, all three men were released pending charges under the Narcotic Substances Act. Investigations are ongoing.
