German authorities seize $2.78 billion worth of cocaine

In a major crackdown, German investigators revealed that they have confiscated an unprecedented 35.5 metric tons (39 U.S. tons) of cocaine valued at 2.6 billion euros ($2.78 billion) from multiple container ships. This seizure marks the largest cocaine find in Germany to date.

The successful operation was carried out following a tip from Colombian authorities. It led to the discovery of 25 tons of cocaine in the port of Hamburg, 8 tons in the Dutch port of Rotterdam, and nearly 3 tons in Colombia. The smuggled drugs were concealed within shipments of vegetables and fruit, making the detection more challenging.

Arrests and Alleged Smuggling Ring

Seven individuals, with ages ranging from 30 to 54, have been apprehended in connection with the seized cocaine. The suspects, comprising nationals from Germany, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Morocco, Turkey, and Ukraine, are believed to have orchestrated the smuggling operation. Their identities have been withheld in accordance with German privacy regulations.

Elaborate Smuggling Operation Uncovered

Authorities revealed that a businessman from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia established 100 letterbox companies to give the impression of legitimacy to the illicit transports. Prosecutors stated, "Specifically, the suspects are accused of organizing the transport of 10 sea containers with large quantities of cocaine from Latin America to Europe in the period from April to September 2023 with other as yet unknown accomplices allegedly residing in Turkey via front companies set up for this purpose."

Benjamin Limbach, the state justice minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, commended the immense cocaine seizure at a news conference in Duesseldorf, emphasizing the blow it dealt to international organized crime. Limbach described it as a "precise punch in the jaw that hurts the drug lords."