Multi-tonne container shipments from South America to major Western European ports have been lifted
International cops supported by the German Criminal Police (LKA Baden Wuttemberg) have dismantled a criminal organisation smuggling large quantities of cocaine in containers from South America to the EU via major ports, mainly Hamburg, Antwerp and Rotterdam.
The investigation involved detectives from Belgium, the Netherlands, Ecuador and Columbia.
Multi-tonne shipments of cocaine was being sourced in Ecuador and shipped from Colombia, Ecuador, Suriname, Guyana and Paraguay, across the Atlantic.
It is believed additional shipments were landed off the coast of West Africa.
“This is a coup,” said Dr Benjamin Limbach, German Minister for Justice.
Hamburg (Getty Images)
The criminal network operated from Germany, organising logistics through the involvement of large number of front companies, including transport companies using administrative personnel and drivers.
35 tonnes of cocaine linked to the activities of this criminal network has been seized in total.
The action days on 31 May (in Cologne) and 5 June (in Hamburg) led to six arrests from 24 house searches.
Porsche 911 Turbo
Seizures including high-end vehicles (Porsche) , jewellery, cash, electronic equipment and various documents
“This operation follows EU Member States’ and Europol’s efforts to provide a response to the most threating criminal networks active in the EU, especially the ones operating in the EU’s major ports,” a Europol spokesperson said.
“Such an operational response aims at bringing together EU Member States to effectively target these logistical networks with close ties to the command-and-control centres affecting the EU’s internal security.
Armed cops in Hamburg (German Police)
“To better understand and counter the threat, Europol published a joint analysis report in partnership with the ports of Rotterdam, Antwerp and Hamburg/Bremerhaven that looks into the risk and challenges for law enforcement posed by criminal networks in EU ports.
“Europol facilitated the exchange of information and provided continuous analytical support to the investigation. Europol also contributed to the overall case coordination among various agencies.
“On the action day, Europol deployed two experts in the field to cross-check operational information in real time and provide experts with possible leads and technical support,” the spokesperson added.
Dr Benjamin Limbach, minister for justice in North Rhine-Westphalia, praised authorities for having “pulled off a coup here” as he hailed the teamwork which resulted in “the largest cocaine find on European soil to virtually go up in flames”.
He added: “This is a blow to international organised crime. It’s a precise punch in the jaw that will hurt the drug lords.”
Public prosecutor Julius Sterzel said the suspects allegedly transported the cocaine in containers “and hid it between crates of fruit and other legal goods”.
He said assets were also seized, including five gold bars worth around €23,000, a Porsche 911 Turbo worth around €250,000 and various luxury items.