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The Panevėžys Regional Court has ruled that the custodial sentences imposed for the distribution of narcotic substances are just and proportionate, subsequently rejecting the appeals of convicts Igor Zubkov and Aleksandras Laurukaitis. According to the judicial panel's decision, there are no legal grounds to mitigate the penalties imposed by the court of first instance; the convicts will serve sentences of two years and one year and four months, respectively.

The case established that I. Zubkov was convicted for repeatedly selling cannabis to others in Visaginas during the summer of 2024. During searches of his residence, over 230 grams of cannabis and cannabis resin were discovered. In his appeal, Zubkov requested a non-custodial sentence, claiming he had acquired the drugs for personal use and only sold them when asked to "help out."

However, the court found this defense to be unfounded. In addition to the narcotics, electronic scales and packaging materials were found at I. Zubkov’s residence, clearly indicating an intent to distribute.

"The quantity of narcotic substances identified clearly exceeds the limits for personal consumption, and the three recorded instances of sale demonstrate deliberate activity carried out with direct intent for financial gain," the judicial panel noted. The court was convinced that the convict's actions were not accidental; therefore, the final two-year custodial sentence is deemed just.

The court also rejected a request by the counsel for the second convict, A. Laurukaitis, for a stay of execution (suspended sentence). Although the defense highlighted the small quantity of narcotics involved (0.378 g of cannabis) and his efforts to seek addiction treatment, the court emphasized the danger the convict poses to society. A. Laurukaitis committed this crime a mere two months after a previous conviction for an identical offense, in which he had already been granted an exceptional opportunity to reform while at liberty.

"Given his age, the convict is considered a sufficiently mature individual; therefore, there is no basis to view his behavior as a result of youthful inexperience," the panel stated. The judges concluded that A. Laurukaitis’s criminal behavior demonstrates a lack of understanding regarding the consequences of his actions and a reluctance to change his lifestyle.

Furthermore, the court noted that the law imperatively prohibits the suspension of sentences for individuals convicted of serious crimes related to the distribution of narcotic substances. Thus, the 1 year and 4 month custodial sentence for A. Laurukaitis remains in effect.

While the primary sentences were upheld, the court amended the portion of the judgment regarding procedural costs. The judicial panel determined that the court of first instance had improperly ordered the convicts to cover the costs of specialist forensic examinations. Since the specialists performed these tasks as part of their official duties, these charges – which exceeded €1,000 per convict – were vacated.

The other individuals convicted in this case – Sergejus Pletniovas, Sergejus Petruchinas, and Valerijus Aladjinas – did not file appeals; however, the forensic examination costs were also vacated for them.

The ruling of the Panevėžys Regional Court enters into force on the day of its announcement.

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