Judge Aleksandra Kaczmarek told the regional court that the defendant—codenamed “Professor” by associates—had channeled “outstanding scientific talent into criminal activity.” He must also pay a 30,000‑zloty donation to addiction‑charity Monar.
Thirteen accomplices convicted
Thirteen co‑defendants received jail terms of five to eight years; two were given suspended sentences after cooperating with prosecutors. The gang, active from 2016 until a September 2018 police raid, produced BMK precursor chemicals and finished amphetamine, the court heard.
Prosecutors said the group also stockpiled ammunition, firearms and explosives components that could be used to build bombs.
From laboratory to courtroom
Investigators launched the probe in 2020, eventually charging 14 suspects aged 33‑73 from the Mazowieckie, Świętokrzyskie and Pomorskie provinces. Media dubbed Ryszard J. the “Polish Walter White,” likening him to the fictional chemistry teacher‑turned‑drug‑maker in the TV series Breaking Bad.
“The motive was simple—greed and the prospect of quick, huge profits,” Judge Kaczmarek said.
The verdict is not final; defense lawyers said they will study the written judgment before deciding whether to appeal to the Court of Appeal in Gdańsk.
(jh)
Source: PAP