The 38-year-old is suspected of having produced methamphetamine for resale, the state police department confirmed an ORF report on Monday. A second person who may be involved in the case is also in custody, as the “Kurier” also reported.
Laboratory equipment secured
According to police spokesman Stefan Loidl, a search of the affected rectory was carried out on the orders of the Krems public prosecutor’s office. Drug precursors and laboratory equipment were discovered and confiscated.
There were no further official details regarding the second accused. When asked, the Krems public prosecutor’s office only confirmed that two people are in custody in the case.
Priest suspended
The case became known last week. The priest was “immediately relieved of his duties in the diocese of St. Pölten” and “prohibited from any pastoral activity in the diocese,” according to a statement from the diocese of St. Pölten. The man of God is a priest of the Archdiocese of Warsaw and has been working in the diocese of St. Pölten since 2021.
This article was last updated at 14:37.