Overview

• The 'Kölner Drogenkrieg' erupted after the theft of 350 kilograms of marijuana from a storage facility in Hürth, triggering a wave of violence.
• The first trial at the Cologne Landgericht involves three young defendants accused of drug trafficking and violent breaches of drug laws.
• One defendant allegedly facilitated the theft of half of a 700-kilogram marijuana cache by providing information to accomplices and coercing a fellow gang member guarding the drugs.
• Two additional trials this week will address other gang members accused of using torture and threats to recover stolen drugs.
• The escalating violence, including shootings, hostage-taking, and arson, has prompted a significant legal crackdown on organized crime in the region.