The judicial authorities of North Rhine-Westphalia and Bonn in Germany arrested thirteen people in connection with the seizure of 27 kilograms of cocaine, multiple firearms, and €200,000 in cash.Ten individuals are detained in Germany, while extradition has been requested for the remaining three.
During raids on Thursday targeting organised drug crime, hundreds of investigators and officers searched 33 homes and business premises in Germany, focusing on the Cologne/Bonn region, as well as raids in the Netherlands, Spain, Poland, and BelgiumIn Maastricht, an officer was slightly injured by gunfire.
Authorities say the investigation targeted 21 suspects aged between 25 and 62. The gang allegedly imported approximately 1.3 tonnes of marijuana and 13 kilograms of cocaine from the Netherlands and Spain in July and August 2023, which they then sold in Germany. It is believed the gang has operated with similar methods since early 2021.
The suspects reportedly laundered at least €2.5 million from drug sales through a network of front companies and partly invested the proceeds in cryptocurrencies.
Six gang members are also accused of organising the importation of 350 kilograms of cocaine with a street value of €26 million from Colombia and the Dominican Republic. The drugs were hidden in containers but were seized during customs inspections at the Port of Antwerp.
