
A $13.6 million drug seizure underscores the intense and complex struggle law enforcement faces in curtailing the spread of illicit drugs across continents.
At a Glance
- Police dismantled a European gang involved in smuggling prescription drugs.
- The operation featured coordinated efforts by multiple European countries.
- Authorities seized over 6 million pills with a street value of $13.6 million.
- Recent seizures highlight the ongoing international drug battle.
European Operation to Dismantle Drug Networks
European police successfully dismantled a network smuggling prescription medication across Europe. The authorities arrested 47 individuals and seized over 6 million pills. This large-scale operation emphasized the collaborative efforts of police forces from Estonia, Finland, Romania, and Serbia, coordinated by Eurojust and Europol. The gang acquired pills from Serbian criminal networks, concealing them within tires, cars, and clothing.
The estimated street value of the seized drugs reached $13.6 million, illustrating the high stakes involved in combating drug trafficking. Police also searched 61 locations across several European countries, confiscating firearms, mobile phones, and luxury vehicles during the raids.
Over 6 million pills seized and nearly 50 suspects arrested in major drug smuggling bust in Europe. https://t.co/9lPhlcJOB2
— CBS News (@CBSNews) October 18, 2024
Drug Trafficking Tactics and Continued International Efforts
The use of legal business fronts for drug smuggling remains a tactic of Europe’s most dangerous gangs, reports Europol. In recent efforts, Europol and Eurojust dismantled an encrypted communication platform used by these networks for criminal activities. This was part of a broader Europol-backed operation that also dismantled a network transporting cocaine from Latin America to Europe.
Across the Atlantic, the California Highway Patrol seized fentanyl worth nearly $1.7 million, along with firearms across two enforcement stops in the past week. Arrests included individuals who attempted to smuggle fentanyl concealed within raw beef packages.
California’s Strides Against the Opioid Crisis
California has aggressively targeted the fentanyl crisis through a comprehensive Master Plan spearheaded by Governor Newsom. Since January 2024, the campaign has led to over $43 million in fentanyl seizures.
This reflects the state’s commitment to addressing the drug crisis by enhancing law enforcement partnerships and offering resources through initiatives like opioids.ca.gov and making naloxone more accessible.