Metr. Hilarion Detained in Czech Republic Over Alleged Narcotics Discovery
Metr. Hilarion denies drug suspicion after Czech police reported suspected narcotics during a vehicle search.
KARLOVY VARY, CZECH REPUBLIC – Czech law enforcement authorities detained Metr. Hilarion Alfeyev of the Russian Orthodox Church on May 24 following an incident in which narcotic substances were allegedly discovered in a vehicle connected to him. According to statements attributed to his Telegram channel and legal representatives, the arrest occurred at a gas station shortly after the Metropolitan departed the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Karlovy Vary.
Officials reportedly searched the vehicle carrying the Metropolitan and a cameraman, during which four small containers holding a white substance were allegedly found in the trunk. Metr. Hilarion has categorically denied any involvement with illegal narcotics, calling the accusation false and requesting a full, independent investigation into the circumstances of the search and arrest. "I have no, and have never had any, connection with the illegal trafficking of narcotic substances. For me, as a clergyman, the very suggestion of such a thing is absolutely false. I insist on a full, independent, and procedurally impeccable investigation into what happened," Metr. Hilarion stated.
As reported by UOJ-Ukraine , the Metropolitan's defense attorney, Michal Pasovsky, raised concerns about the manner of the stop, claiming that police vehicles appeared to be waiting for the car before initiating a coordinated stop and search. The defense also alleges procedural irregularities, including limited visibility during the search and questions about why the trunk was immediately targeted. Lawyers are demanding preservation of all video footage, forensic testing of the substances, and verification of chain-of-custody procedures. According to the defense, the Metropolitan was taken into a store at a gas station and was not given the opportunity to observe the search of the vehicle.
The bishop's press service further stated that the incident followed months of alleged pressure and anonymous threats directed at the Metropolitan during his ministry in Karlovy Vary. Metr. Hilarion, a former senior official of the Moscow Patriarchate who has served in multiple high-ranking church roles, was most recently assigned to pastoral duties in the Czech city following his retirement from administrative leadership.
Previously, the UOJ reported that the Czech Ministry of Culture had launched administrative proceedings against the Orthodox Church in the Czech Lands.
