An international criminal group responsible for smuggling millions of prescription pills across Europe has been taken down in a large-scale operation coordinated by Eurojust. Authorities from Romania, Estonia, Finland, and Serbia, with support from Eurojust and Europol, arrested 47 individuals and seized more than 6 million pills during the raids.
The Pharmaceuticals Smuggling Network
The criminal network, which spanned multiple countries, sourced prescription pills used for treating anxiety, seizures, and insomnia from other criminal organizations in Serbia. These pills were concealed in cars, lorry tires, and clothing for transport to Romania and Estonia. Once there, they were distributed to Nordic countries, including Finland and Norway, where members of the group sold them on the streets.
The illegal sale of these prescription drugs proved to be extremely lucrative for the gang. The pills seized in the operation alone had an estimated market value of €12.5 million.
Coordinated International Efforts
The investigation into the criminal network was launched by Romanian authorities, but due to the group’s widespread operations across Europe, international cooperation was vital. Eurojust and Europol played a key role in supporting collaboration between the involved countries.
A Joint Investigation Team (JIT) was established at Eurojust to allow for direct information exchange and coordination. Authorities employed advanced investigative techniques, such as controlled deliveries and undercover operations, to gather crucial evidence.
Major Arrests and Seizures
On October 17, a significant international operation was conducted, leading to the arrest of 26 people across Romania, Serbia, and Finland. Romanian authorities arrested 14 individuals, Serbian authorities arrested 11, and one person was apprehended in Finland. Simultaneously, 41 house searches took place in Romania, 19 in Serbia, and one in Finland.
Authorities seized a large number of pills, cash, firearms, mobile phones, luxury cars, and even two properties in Romania. Europol supported the operation by providing expertise, data processing, and deploying mobile offices to assist on-site.
A Successful Joint Operation
The successful takedown of this smuggling ring demonstrates the effectiveness of international cooperation in combatting organized crime. Authorities in Romania, Estonia, Finland, and Serbia worked closely with Eurojust and Europol to dismantle the group and bring its members to justice.
The participating agencies included:
- Romania: Prosecution Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice, Directorate for Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism, General Inspectorate of Romanian Police, among others.
- Estonia: Northern District Prosecutor’s Office, Police and Border Guard Board.
- Finland: Prosecution District of Southern Finland, Helsinki Police Department.
- Serbia: Public Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime, Service for Combatting Organized Crime.
The operation highlights the importance of international partnerships in tackling the growing threat of drug trafficking across borders.
