Nearly 50 Arrested in Europol Drug Probe

Nearly 50 people have been arrested in an international investigation into a Western Balkan-linked drug trafficking network allegedly connected to killings, kidnappings and grenade attacks across Europe, Europol said. The operation culminated on Oct. 6 with searches at 42 properties in Slovenia and Spain.

Authorities arrested 34 suspects in Slovenia, one in Spain and one in Croatia. Eleven others had been arrested previously. Police seized 66 kilograms of drugs during the operation, including 51 kilograms of cannabis and 15 kilograms of amphetamine, along with firearms, jewelry and cash.

Investigators said the network allegedly concealed drug shipments in legitimate commercial freight and used trucks, vans and cars to transport cocaine, cannabis, amphetamine, MDMA and methamphetamine from Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain. Members reportedly used encrypted communications platforms, including SKY ECC and CryptCom, to coordinate operations.

The investigation linked the group to shootings, murders, attempted killings and the kidnapping of a member. Authorities also alleged that hand grenades and other violence were used to punish suspected losses, enforce control and target members’ families. Europol said evidence from encrypted communications indicated that the suspects could face prosecution over additional trafficking involving several tonnes of drugs.