International Police Sweep Dismantles Balkan Drug Cartel Cell, Arresting 12 Suspects
An extensive international law enforcement operation successfully dismantled a significant cell of a Balkan drug cartel, resulting in the arrest of twelve suspects. The coordinated sweep, executed by approximately 100 police officers across Montenegro and Germany with support from Austrian and Spanish authorities, targeted an intercontinental logistics network responsible for smuggling over 4.2 tonnes of cocaine and cannabis globally. Among those detained was a high-value target apprehended in Montenegro, identified as a key organizer of maritime and air transport routes. The suspects, acting as financiers, coordinators, and logisticians, are linked to twelve previous drug seizures in Europe and South America. Drugs were trafficked via shipping containers and air routes from countries including Bolivia, Thailand, and the United States. Following the operation, the Montenegrin Higher State Prosecutor’s Office filed criminal complaints against ten individuals for charges such as criminal association, unauthorized drug distribution, and illicit weapons trade. While specific cartel factions were not named, the arrests occur against the backdrop of the violent turf war between the Kavač and Škaljari gangs. The detained suspects in Montenegro face pre-trial detention hearings within 24 hours.
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International Police Sweep Dismantles Balkan Drug Cartel Cell, Arresting 12 Suspects
An extensive international law enforcement operation successfully dismantled a significant cell of a Balkan drug cartel, resulting in the arrest of twelve suspects. The coordinated sweep, executed by approximately 100 police officers across Montenegro and Germany with support from Austrian and Spanish authorities, targeted an intercontinental logistics network responsible for smuggling over 4.2 tonnes of cocaine and cannabis globally. Among those detained was a high-value target apprehended in Montenegro, identified as a key organizer of maritime and air transport routes. The suspects, acting as financiers, coordinators, and logisticians, are linked to twelve previous drug seizures in Europe and South America. Drugs were trafficked via shipping containers and air routes from countries including Bolivia, Thailand, and the United States. Following the operation, the Montenegrin Higher State Prosecutor’s Office filed criminal complaints against ten individuals for charges such as criminal association, unauthorized drug distribution, and illicit weapons trade. While specific cartel factions were not named, the arrests occur against the backdrop of the violent turf war between the Kavač and Škaljari gangs. The detained suspects in Montenegro face pre-trial detention hearings within 24 hours.
OCCRP