German Authorities Dismantle Balkan Cartel in Major Drug and Arms Trafficking Bust

Three suspects are in custody after a coordinated raid involving 360 officers targeted an international crime syndicate operating across Europe.

German police, in collaboration with international agencies, conducted raids across North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony, targeting the Balkan Cartel's operations.
The cartel is accused of smuggling massive quantities of cocaine—up to 4.5 tons per shipment—from South America to Europe between 2019 and 2021.
Authorities seized 1.5 kilograms of drugs, firearms including automatic rifles, 110,000 euros in cash, luxury watches, and other valuables during the operation.
The group reportedly laundered their illicit profits through investments in real estate and used encrypted messaging apps to coordinate their activities covertly.
The investigation was a joint effort involving the BKA, Europol, the DEA, and other international agencies; the suspects face charges that could lead to sentences of up to 15 years.