Drug and methamphetamine lab discovered in apartment building in Viljandi

Viljandi police discovered over 200 opium poppy plants and methamphetamine production equipment in the apartment of a 39-year-old man based on a tip from alert citizens. The man, who has a prior drug-related criminal record, was arrested by court order for two months.

A 39-year-old man was apprehended in Viljandi in early June for operating a drug and methamphetamine laboratory in his apartment. According to the South Prefecture, such production facilities are rare in the region.

Tip leads to discovery

Police received information from alert residents who suspected the man of illegal drug handling. On 9 June 2026, the man was charged with drug offences, announced the prosecutor's office and South Prefecture.

During the apartment search, over 200 growing opium poppy plants and various chemical substances were found. According to preliminary information, the man was producing methamphetamine directly in his apartment in the residential building, putting his neighbours at risk.

Danger to neighbours' lives

"Methamphetamine production poses a risk of explosion, fire or release of toxic gases, which is why the man endangered his neighbours. Additionally, methamphetamine causes severe addiction and can destroy people's lives once it reaches the streets," emphasized the prosecutor's office and police in a joint statement.

Investigators noted that drug manufacturers typically operate clandestinely and conceal their activities carefully, making the discovery of such a lab in Viljandi an exceptional case.

Arrest and further proceedings

The suspect is known to police from before and has already been convicted once for illegal drug handling. To prevent further crimes, the prosecutor requested the man's arrest, which the court granted: the man was placed in pre-trial detention for two months.

The scope of the man's drug operation will be determined during further investigation.