Overview

• Authorities arrested 13 individuals, with 10 in pre-trial detention in Germany and extradition requests filed for three others.
• The operation targeted a drug ring active since 2021, responsible for smuggling large quantities of marijuana and cocaine into Germany.
• Raids across 33 properties in Germany, Belgium, Poland, Spain, and the Netherlands resulted in the seizure of 27 kilograms of cocaine, weapons, and €200,000 in cash.
• The group used vehicles with professionally constructed compartments for smuggling and laundered at least €2.5 million through shell companies and cryptocurrency.
• A police officer was lightly injured during the operation in Maastricht, highlighting the risks faced by law enforcement in combating organized crime.