German police raid trans health center over suspected prescription drug trafficking: A ‘violent intrusion’

Police in Germany raided a transgender and queer community health center in Berlin during a weekly gathering for transfeminine people on Sunday, searching attendees’ belongings and holding them inside for hours, according to the organization.

Casa Kuà, a community space in Berlin’s Kreuzberg neighborhood, said in a series of Instagram posts that officers “forcefully entered ‘The Dolls’, a weekly transfem-only meet-up” at the center.

“They identified everybody present, and held them inside for up to 4 hours,” the organization wrote, describing the raid as a “violent intrusion into our space.”

Police said the search stemmed from suspicions of illegal trafficking in prescription drugs and allegations that hormone treatments were being administered without medical supervision, The Berliner reported.

Officers said they seized prescription medications, narcotics, data storage devices, and a four-figure sum of cash. The Berlin public prosecutor’s office is investigating and reviewing the evidence, police said.

Casa Kuà said officers searched every room and attendees’ belongings, although no individuals were named in the search warrant, according to the organization.

“They broke into lockers, and confiscated several boxes of items,” the organization wrote.

Related: Terrorist attack at huge Berlin Pride parade celebration leaves 1 dead, dozens injured

Casa Kuà describes itself on its website as an organization led by Black, Indigenous, and other people of color who are transgender or nonbinary. Its mission is to make healthcare more accessible to transgender, intersex, nonbinary, and queer people, particularly those affected by racism.

The center’s website describes treatment rooms, a seminar room, and a communal kitchen intended to support people whose needs are not adequately met by Germany’s health care system.

The Dolls, the weekly gathering underway when police arrived, offers workshops, discussions, clothing swaps, and other social activities for transfeminine people.

Supporters responding to Casa Kuà’s Instagram posts questioned why police were targeting the center, drawing comparisons with recreational drug use in Berlin’s clubs and steroid use in gyms.

A solidarity demonstration is planned for Saturday under the banner “HANDS OFF TRANS LIVES!” in support of Casa Kuà and the Dolls of Berlin.

Related: I survived the Berlin Pride terror attack. Don’t let the right weaponize our grief

The raid comes three months after a deadly attack near Berlin’s Pride celebration. One woman was killed, and 29 people were injured when a driver plowed into a crowd in July. Police identified a 21-year-old suspect, who was killed during a confrontation with officers the following day.