Europol has warned of a sharp increase in cannabis smuggling from North America and Thailand into Europe, citing the diversion of products from legal markets and the growing adaptability of organized crime groups. The agency said it has established an Operational Taskforce to help dismantle trafficking networks and strengthen cooperation among European authorities. According to Europol, criminals are exploiting regulatory differences between jurisdictions and using cargo shipments, front companies, couriers and online marketplaces to move high-potency cannabis into Europe. EU member states have reported a significant rise in seizures through air cargo, containers and courier routes since mid-2023. The agency also highlighted a recent operation involving Belgian and French authorities that targeted a network trafficking cannabis and cocaine through Brussels Airport. The operation on Sept. 30 resulted in the arrest of 21 suspects—19 in Belgium and two in France. Authorities seized more than €57,000 in cash, eight vehicles, two firearms, drugs, electronic devices and luxury goods. Investigators said the network used couriers, “extractors” who accessed baggage claim areas with inexpensive airline tickets, and allegedly complicit airport employees to remove narcotics before detection. Europol said the new taskforce will focus on border surveillance, financial investigations and intelligence-sharing, including along West African routes increasingly used to move cannabis and other drugs. Post navigation Two Pedestrians Hit in Palm Beach