Growing availability of alpha-PVP reflected in criminal investigations – NBI uncovers major narcotics case
The National Bureau of Investigation has concluded a criminal investigation into an international case involving the importation and distribution of narcotic substances. During the investigation, police seized 6.5 kilograms of alpha-PVP among other substances, equivalent to an estimated 260,000 doses.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI has) concluded its criminal investigation into a large-scale case involving the importation and distribution of narcotic substances. The investigation examined the importation into Finland of amphetamine, alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (alpha-PVP), cocaine, marijuana and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), and their subsequent distribution.
The police suspect a criminal group of three Estonian nationals of aggravated narcotics offences. The members of the group were arrested in May 2026. In the context of the arrests, the police seized approximately 14.5 kilograms of amphetamine, 6.5 kilograms of alpha-PVP, 20 kilograms of marijuana, 85 grams of cocaine and 160 litres of GBL from their possession, along with a total of approximately 18,000 euros in cash.
Based on the criminal investigation, the individuals are suspected of having distributed approximately 7.5 kilograms of alpha-PVP, three kilograms of cocaine, 19 kilograms of marijuana and 1.5 kilograms of amphetamine prior to their arrest. They are also suspected of having supplied at least 196,000 euros in cash to the leaders of the wider criminal group.
Based on information received to the criminal investigation, the police suspect that the three individuals suspected of narcotics offences received instructions from a foreign party suspected of having directed the importation, storage and distribution of narcotic substances and of organising the collection and onward transfer of the criminal proceeds.
Substantial quantities seized
The approximately 6.5-kilogram batch of alpha-PVP seized during the criminal investigation represents a considerable amount by Finnish standards. A typical dose of alpha-PVP is approximately 25 milligrams, meaning that the seized quantity corresponds to an estimated 260,000 single doses.
Alpha-PVP samples analysed at the NBI Forensic Laboratory (kg), 2020–2026.
The seized batch of 160 litres of GBL is also exceptionally large. A typical dose of GBL is around 1–2 millilitres, which means the amount seized is equivalent to somewhere between roughly 80,000 and 160,000 doses. The seized quantity of 160 litres is the largest single batch of GBL ever seized by police in Finland.
GBL samples analysed at the NBI Forensic Laboratory (litres) 2020–2026.
– The quantities seized point to the professionalism and scale of the operation. Had the alpha-PVP alone reached the street market, it would have translated into a substantial number of doses here in Finland, says Head of Investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Lasse Aalto of the NBI.
Police concerned about the availability and use of alpha-PVP
The availability of alpha-PVP and the number of related seizures have both increased significantly in Finland in recent years. Police have made a particularly large number of seizures in the areas covered by the Helsinki, Eastern Uusimaa, Western Uusimaa, Southwestern Finland, Häme and Central Finland Police Departments, but the substance is currently found throughout the country.
Alpha-PVP is classified as an extremely dangerous narcotic substance, the effects of which can include intense agitation, confusion, paranoia, psychosis and unpredictable behaviour. Based on police experience, its use can increase violent behaviour and pose significant safety risks both to users and their surroundings.
Police are combating the trafficking of alpha-PVP, both online and on the streets, through preventive work, criminal investigations and cooperation with other authorities, as well as working to guide users towards substance abuse services and to reduce the demand for and availability of narcotic substances, and the harm they cause.
