According to Europol, investigators in Brazil have dug up an internationally operating drug network and confiscated cocaine worth several billion euros. 15 people were arrested, as announced by Europol in The Hague on Friday. In the course of the investigation, 17 tons of cocaine were confiscated, which is said to have a sales value of several billion euros. According to Europol, assets worth 80 million euros were seized during the action on Thursday.

It's about one of the most active drug networks in Brazil, which has flooded Europe with huge shipments of cocaine. The gang's entire infrastructure had been smashed, Europol said, from suppliers in Paraguay to shipping and money laundering organizations.

37 objects were searched, 173 vehicles and one plane were confiscated and the accounts of 147 people and 66 companies were blocked. According to the information, steps were also taken in Spain to confiscate the assets of gang members.

Tip from German customs

The investigations into "Operation Hinterland" lasted for two years, according to the European police authority. Investigators from Latin America and Europe then struck on Thursday. The action was directed from two Brazilian command centers. The police in France and Spain were also involved.

The investigations started after a tip from German customs. In December 2020, he seized 316 kilograms of cocaine in the port of Hamburg. A Brazilian company is said to have been behind it.

According to Europol, the investigators then succeeded in uncovering transport routes. Accordingly, the gang smuggled the hidden cocaine from Paraguay in trucks and then exported it to Europe.

Information from Europol