16 Arrests Made in Crackdown on Drug Network Connected to Sinaloa Cartel

Europol, in collaboration with French authorities, has successfully dismantled a criminal organization involved in the production and distribution of synthetic drugs with ties to the Sinaloa cartel. The operation led to the arrest of 16 individuals on charges related to drug trafficking and organized crime.

The investigation, which began in June 2024, uncovered a network responsible for the production and trafficking of synthetic drugs, with connections to criminal gangs in Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. The main organizers of the network, one Algerian and one French national, were found to have strong links to the Mexican cartels, relying on their support and expertise.

During the operation on May 19, authorities conducted 16 arrests, including individuals from Belgium, France, Serbia, and Mexico/America. The crackdown also resulted in the seizure of assets worth approximately EUR 190,000, including vehicles, luxury goods, cash, and cryptocurrency. The investigation is ongoing, with further seizures anticipated in the future.

The rise in synthetic drug production across the EU has become a growing concern, as criminal organizations increasingly engage in illegal manufacturing activities. Europol’s role in facilitating international cooperation and providing analytical support has been crucial in combating transnational drug trafficking operations. The agency’s involvement in this operation underscores the importance of cross-border collaboration in tackling organized crime.