A large-scale cocaine-smuggling network has been dismantled by authorities in Italy, Albania, Poland, and Switzerland in a joint operation coordinated by Eurojust. The criminal organization, which had been operating for at least four years, primarily focused on selling cocaine in northern Italy, particularly around the city of Brescia.
Coordinated Action Across Europe
The international operation, led by an Albanian-organized crime group (OCG), culminated in the arrest of 66 suspects. On the main action day, 45 individuals were apprehended, most of them in Italy. Prior to this, 21 additional suspects had already been arrested in connection with cocaine distribution in the Brescia area.
Eurojust, based in The Hague, played a key role in facilitating and coordinating the efforts of law enforcement agencies across the involved countries. Over 400 officers were deployed in Italy alone to execute the operation. Eurojust set up a coordination center to support the implementation of European Arrest Warrants and Mutual Legal Assistance requests, particularly towards Albania and Switzerland. Europol also provided critical support by managing the exchange of information and offering on-the-ground analytical assistance, including deploying a mobile office to Italy.
Seized Assets and Cocaine
Authorities seized significant assets during the investigation, including an estimated €4 million in cash, 360 kilograms of cocaine, luxury vehicles, watches, telecommunications equipment, and firearms. The investigations revealed that the Albanian-led OCG had been using five warehouses and storage facilities around Brescia to distribute the drugs.
Money Laundering and Fraud
In addition to drug trafficking, the suspects are charged with money laundering and investment fraud. The OCG laundered its illegal profits through a complex network of businesses. These companies, run by an Italian-Chinese organization, generated fake invoices valued at around €375 million to cover up the illicit earnings.
Investigations Since 2020
The investigation into the smuggling ring began in 2020, following a request from the Public Prosecutor’s Office (PPO) of Brescia. Over the course of the probe, authorities uncovered the group’s extensive network for distributing cocaine from Latin America and laundering the profits.
The recent arrests and seizures mark a significant victory in the fight against organized crime, particularly in the illegal drug trade.
Involved Authorities:
- Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office (PPO) Brescia, Anti-Mafia District Directorate, Guardia di Finanza, SCICO (Central Investigation Service for Organised Crime), International Police Cooperation Service Liaison Bureau
- Poland: PPO Warsaw, Central Police Bureau of Investigations
- Albania: Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organised Crime (SPAK), Albanian State Police
- Switzerland: Office of Attorney-General, Federal Police (Fedpol)
This highly coordinated, multinational effort underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling organized crime and drug trafficking across Europe.
