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Popular Budapest venue shut down after drugs raid and violent incident
On 19 February, Budapest’s popular Symbol Event Hall was shut down after a dramatic joint raid by Hungarian and Polish police uncovered an international drug trafficking network.
Drug network exposed
During the raid, 16 kilograms of narcotics were seized, several people were taken into custody, and a violent incident also came to light, in which a guest was assaulted for refusing drugs offered by a man, reported HVG.hu
According to suspicions, one of those arrested, 51-year-old Zsolt D., sold illegal substances at the Symbol’s Bécsi Street location – operating both as a regular guest and as a “businessman.”
The authorities decided on the venue’s temporary closure under the organised crime law: from 19 February to 19 April, the popular event space will remain closed.
Drugs offered in the toilet – and a punch in response
Beyond dismantling the drug network, a shocking specific incident also emerged. In the early hours of 15 February 2026, a guest entered the Symbol’s restroom – only to be confronted with an unexpected offer.
A man pressed drugs into his hand. When the guest refused, the man did not relent: together with his accomplices, he blocked the exit and trapped the guest, then struck him twice in the face.
The attacker is no ordinary individual: he has a professional boxing background and is 37 years old. Police took him into custody, and a rapid test detected multiple drugs in his system. He now faces charges of attempted grievous bodily harm, deprivation of liberty, and possession of narcotics while authorities have also requested his detention.
The Symbol defends itself: “We are victims, not perpetrators”
The venue’s operators did not remain silent. On the same day, they issued a statement strongly distancing themselves from any illegal activity.
The Symbol also emphasised that an entertainment venue is not a law enforcement agency: it has neither the authority nor the means to conduct official-level checks on its premises. They do everything possible – security staff, continuous cooperation with authorities – but cannot look into guests’ pockets. The operators are pursuing legal remedies within the allowed timeframe.
Who pays for others’ crimes?
It is not clear where responsibility lies. In its statement, the operator openly stated that current legal practice could criminalise venues that operate in good faith and follow the rules.
A closure lasting several weeks or even months is not only a financial blow – lost revenue, cancelled events, halted employment – but also damages the venue’s reputation.
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