German investigators have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking, seizing a record-breaking amount of cocaine worth 2.6 billion euros ($2.78 billion) from multiple container ships. This operation, described as the largest cocaine find in the country, led to the arrest of seven individuals involved in the smuggling scheme.
The seizure, totaling 35.5 metric tons (39 U.S. tons) of cocaine, was carried out following a tip-off from Colombian authorities. The drugs were cleverly concealed among shipments of vegetables and fruit, with 25 tons discovered in the port of Hamburg, 8 tons in Rotterdam, and nearly 3 tons in Colombia.
The suspects, ranging in age from 30 to 54 and hailing from various nationalities including German, Azerbaijani, Bulgarian, Moroccan, Turkish, and Ukrainian, were apprehended in recent weeks. They are believed to have orchestrated the smuggling operation, with a businessman from North Rhine-Westphalia setting up 100 letterbox companies to mask the illicit transports as legitimate.
According to prosecutors, the accused individuals are alleged to have coordinated the transportation of 10 sea containers filled with substantial quantities of cocaine from Latin America to Europe between April and September 2023. The operation involved the use of front companies established for this specific purpose, with additional accomplices believed to be located in Turkey.
State Justice Minister Benjamin Limbach of North Rhine-Westphalia commended the authorities for the successful interception of the massive cocaine shipment, emphasizing the impact on international organized crime. Limbach described the operation as a significant blow to drug lords, highlighting the precision and effectiveness of the investigative efforts.
