MOSCOW, July 19 - RAPSI. The case concerning cocaine smuggled into Russia from Ecuador using bunches of banana will be referred to the Prosecutor General's Office to approve the indictment, Investigative Department Deputy Head, Justice Maj. Gen. Sergey Borodulin reported on Thursday.

He added that the preliminary investigation into the crime has been completed.

The cocaine was trafficked by sea from Ecuador to St. Petersburg. The case was launched in 2008. Several similar cases were consolidated into a single case in 2009.
Cocaine was hidden in bunches of banana on vessels traveling from Ecuador. Upon arrival, drug couriers took the dope from the ships disguised as port employees.

According to the department, 70 kilograms of cocaine worth $85 million were later seized.

Borodulin said nine members of the criminal group responsible for trafficking the drugs have so far been charged.