Dismantled an international criminal organization dedicated to the transport of drugs between Spain and Poland
The Spanish Civil Guard, in a joint operation with the National Police and EUROPOL, have dismantled an international organization dedicated to drug trafficking that was transporting large amounts of drugs to Poland hidden in fruit and vegetable trucks.
During the course of the investigation, the agents have seized more than 260 kilos of marijuana, amphetamine and cocaine with a total street value of EUR 2,925,400. During the last year, a series of actions have been carried out against the members of this criminal organization that have resulted in 42 arrests, including those responsible for the criminal structure.
On April 23, a series of coordinated operations were carried out in both countries, which resulted in 14 arrests in Poland and 6 in Spain. On this occasion, cash was seized worth more than half a million euros in various currencies.
They transported the marijuana camouflaged among potatoes
The first operation against this criminal organization occurred last year, when the Central Bureau of Investigation of the Polish Police arrested seven suspected of smuggling drugs into Poland. The drug was transported in trucks with shipments of potatoes from Spain where investigators found 158 bags of marijuana. After this operation and a search at the homes of those arrested, an additional 51 bags of marijuana were seized. The evidence collected throughout the investigation revealed the connection of this criminal organization with the smuggling of 3 tons of marijuana, for an estimated value of 30 million euros.
The organization transported drugs in refrigerated trucks from Spain to Poland, passing through the Netherlands and Germany. The investigation also revealed how the members of the organization had links with hooligans from various sports clubs. Europol’s support was critical to the success of this case. Within the framework of its operational activities, Europol was able to develop reliable information on the activities of this drug trafficking organization. Europol has been providing ongoing intelligence development and analysis to support investigators in the field. During the action, Europol facilitated real-time coordination between all partners involved, ensuring quick tactical decisions to adjust the strategy as necessary.
