Two Budapest men have been arrested at Kelenföld railway station after allegedly bringing nearly eight kilograms of drugs from the Netherlands to Hungary by train. Police discovered cocaine, ketamine and amphetamine oil hidden in their luggage, alongside more than EUR 6,000 in cash.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NNI), working with an operational unit of the National Police Headquarters, carried out the arrests on 13 October after an investigation into suspected large-scale drug trafficking. The suspects, aged 33 and 50, had travelled from Eindhoven in the Netherlands, changing trains in Munich before arriving in Budapest.

Drugs hidden in food boxes and wine bottles

According to the NNI, investigators had received information that the two Budapest residents were importing drugs from the Netherlands for sale in Hungary. After gathering evidence and identifying the likely arrival date of their next shipment, officers organised an operation to intercept them at Kelenföld. The men were reportedly taken by surprise when officers approached them after they stepped off the international express train.

A search of their suitcases uncovered approximately one kilogram of ketamine and 2.2 kilograms of cocaine, concealed in cereal and fruit cake boxes. Officers also found six wine bottles containing a total of 4.5 litres of amphetamine oil. In addition to the suspected drugs, police seized EUR 6,070 in cash from the two men.

Further substances found in Budapest property

Investigators also searched a property in Budapest’s District VIII, where the suspects are believed to have prepared or diluted drugs for distribution. During the search, officers seized a further 4.4 kilograms of caffeine powder and 18 litres of a transparent liquid. Authorities suspect these materials may have been connected to the drug-processing operation.

The substances recovered both from the suitcases and from the property are being examined by forensic chemistry experts to establish their precise composition. Police have not yet disclosed who allegedly supplied the drugs to the two men. Investigators are continuing their inquiries to identify the source of the shipment and establish the full extent of the suspected trafficking operation.

Prosecutors seek pre-trial detention

The NNI has charged both men with suspected drug trafficking involving a significant quantity of narcotics. They were taken into criminal custody following their arrest. The Budapest Chief Prosecutor’s Office has requested their pre-trial detention, citing concerns about ensuring their availability during the proceedings, preventing them from interfering with or obstructing the investigation, and reducing the risk of further offences.

A court will decide whether the suspects should remain in custody while the investigation continues. The allegations have not yet been proven in court, and both men are presumed innocent unless found guilty.