MADRID, Nov 29 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A drug “super cartel” that controlled about a third of Europe’s cocaine supply has been dismantled, police have announced.
Dubbed Operation Desert Light, 49 people were arrested across six European countries including a British national, who is suspected of heading the operation, the EU’s police agency, Europol, said.
More than 30,000kg of drugs were seized during the two-year-long investigation, Europol said.
Operation Desert Light saw authorities in Spain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) work together to bring down the cartel, Europol said in a statement.
Those arrested included six “high-value targets” – those most wanted by international police.
Cocaine imported from South America via the Netherlands was the main focus of the investigation, and most of the arrests were made there in 2021.
The others were made earlier this month, between Nov 8-19, during coordinated raids across the other six countries, Europol said.
The British man suspected of heading the “super cartel” had fled to Dubai after earlier avoiding arrest in Spain, the country’s Guardia Civil said in a statement. He allegedly continued to lead the cartel from the UAE.
Europol said a new agreement with UAE has enabled detectives to access intelligence, and arrest criminals once beyond reach.
Dutch prosecutors said they would request the extradition of the suspects from the UAE who now face large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering charges.
Earlier this month, police in Spain conducted a series of raids that resulted in the discovery of the largest haul of cannabis ever found.
The packaged marijuana found was equivalent to approximately 1.1 million plants.
