Cocaine Trafficking Routes to Russia Exposed: Investigation Ties Smuggling to Putin’s Inner Circle.

Journalistic Investigation by the 'System' Project

According to Espreso.tv: An investigative report by the 'System' project has uncovered potential links between cocaine shipments into Russia and individuals connected to Vladimir Putin's inner circle during the 2022–2026 period. Multiple drug seizure operations carried out as part of special missions have proven significant to the investigation's findings.

In August 2025, for instance, authorities confiscated over 1.5 tons of cocaine—valued at more than 20 billion rubles—from the vessel Cool Emerald at the port of Saint Petersburg. This event ranks among the largest drug busts in recent years. In 2026, Estonian authorities detained the container ship Baltic Spirit, which was en route from Ecuador to Saint Petersburg, further indicating heightened narcotics trafficking activity in the region.

Additionally, during the 2022 operation 'Ecuadorian Wind,' 50 kilograms of drugs were discovered inside a shipping container. Notably, the Swedish logistics firm Cool Carriers—one of the largest transporters of bananas from Latin America—actively imports fruit through the 'MGS-Terminal' at the Saint Petersburg port. Among the terminal's co-owners are Vladimir Borisenko and Mikhail Ganyushin.

Connections to High-Ranking Officials

Vladimir Borisenko, who co-founded an association of owners of an elite cottage settlement near Saint Petersburg alongside Oleg Rudnov, is also a member of the Russian League of Honorary Consuls. These ties may point to potential corruption schemes linked to the drug trade within Russia.

Consequently, the investigation's results underscore serious issues concerning both drug smuggling and its possible connections to the country's high-ranking officials. This matter warrants further analysis and study, as it could significantly impact Russia's political landscape.

These discoveries cast doubt on the effectiveness of Russia's drug control system and suggest potential corruption at the highest levels of power. Given the scale of the narcotics trade and its links to the political elite, the situation may have far-reaching consequences for domestic policy and international relations. Ongoing investigations could shed light on how these schemes operate and their influence on society and state institutions.