FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The network is believed to have used sea and air trafficking routes, using shipping containers and other clandestine methods to transport the illegal substances…
A large-scale Europol operation spanning several countries has hit what is known as the Balkan drug trafficking cartel. The operation led to the arrest of 12 people, 4 of whom in Germany, while the ringleader was arrested in Montenegro.
The operation began in the early hours of Wednesday morning, while the largest strikes on the network were carried out in cooperation with Montenegrin authorities.
According to reports, Montenegrin justice authorities have begun questioning the detained individuals.
According to the official announcement from Europol, a large-scale operation targeting a significant cell of the Balkan Cartel was carried out in Montenegro. Europol also supported law enforcement authorities in Germany in connection with the investigation targeting possible contact persons.
This day's action resulted in the arrest of twelve suspects (four in Germany), including a High Value Target (HVT) captured in Montenegro, Europol said in a statement.
The investigation, which was also supported by authorities in Austria and Spain, focused on a criminal network involved in large-scale international drug trafficking (cocaine and cannabis). The suspects, residing in Montenegro and Germany, are believed to have played various roles within the criminal organization, from financiers to coordinators and logisticians.
Judicial authorities in Montenegro have charged a number of suspects with involvement in the trafficking of 2.7 tonnes of cocaine and 1.5 tonnes of cannabis between October 2024 and April 2026. The drugs were seized in 12 separate preliminary operations in several EU countries and South America. The network is believed to have used maritime and air trafficking routes, using shipping containers and other clandestine methods to transport the illegal substances.
The criminal network is also suspected of smuggling cannabis into the EU from and through countries such as Albania, Thailand and the United States, Europol said in a statement.
Approximately 100 police officers were deployed in both locations to carry out arrests and searches.
Europol facilitated ongoing coordination, information exchange and provided ongoing analytical support throughout the investigation. Intelligence uncovered a well-hidden network operating across continents and countries.
Europol also provided financial support, which was used for special equipment and other operational needs. / Pamphlet /
Lini një Përgjigje