Krems court postpones trial over attempted crystal meth production

A trial in Krems regarding an attempted crystal meth production in a Waldviertel parish house has been postponed for a third time after the 32-year-old defendant failed to appear in court. The defendant, an Iraqi national, faces charges of unauthorized handling of drug precursors.

The case involves an attempt to manufacture one kilogram of crystal meth in July 2024. The operation, which allegedly involved a former Polish priest and two other men, failed due to a faulty instruction manual. Investigators found that various substances, including hydrochloric acid, diethyl ether, and acetone, were ordered online and collected from a parcel station in the Czech Republic before being transported to the parish residence.

While the priest and two other defendants have already received final convictions, the current defendant is accused of participating in the production attempts and storing chemicals in his own apartment. Due to the defendant's repeated absences from previous hearings, court officials are considering a compulsory appearance.