A coordinated law enforcement campaign spanning South America and the European Union has resulted in the confiscation of 73 metric tons of narcotics and the detention of 36 individuals, authorities disclosed on Friday.
The operation, spearheaded by Europol in collaboration with police forces from Ecuador, Germany, and Spain, targeted a criminal organization based in Ecuador suspected of funneling wholesale quantities of cocaine into European markets. Investigators allege the syndicate exploited maritime shipping containers to transport the drugs from South America to key port hubs in Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain.
According to law enforcement officials, the network also handled financial transactions through a web of shell companies and middlemen, while maintaining direct ties to drug suppliers. Parallel cells operating in Germany and Spain, equipped with transportation assets and logistics personnel, managed the distribution of the contraband across the continent.
“These criminal enterprises operate without regard for national borders, and our countermeasures must be equally fluid,” stated Catherine De Bolle, Europol’s executive director. “Deepening partnerships with Latin American nations is critical—combating organized crime demands a unified global strategy.”
Europol noted that the crackdown underscores ongoing efforts by EU member states and the agency to dismantle sophisticated criminal networks exploiting vulnerabilities at major seaports.