In a series of raids in Poland and Spain, an international drug gang has been rounded up on suspicion of smuggling large quantities of marijuana, cocaine and amphetamines hidden in fruit and vegetable trucks. The network is said to have smuggled the drugs in refrigerated trucks from Spain to Poland, via the Netherlands and Germany. The investigation also revealed that the network had links with hooligans from various football clubs.
During the investigation by the Polish and Spanish police in cooperation with Europol, dozens of suspects were arrested and more than 260 kilos of marijuana, amphetamine and cocaine were seized with a total street value of almost three million euros.
42 suspects
Earlier this year, according to the Spanish police and Europol, there were already dozens of raids on members of the criminal organization, in which 42 suspects were arrested, including several ringleaders. On April 23, 2023, a series of coordinated raids were carried out in both countries, resulting in fourteen arrests in Poland and six arrests in Spain. In addition, more than half a million euros in cash in various currencies was seized.
Marijuana between potatoes
The first action against the criminal network took place a year earlier. In April 2022, Polish police arrested seven suspects who were smuggling drugs into Poland. Authorities found 158 packages of marijuana under a cover cargo of potatoes they were transporting from Spain. Another 51 packages of marijuana were seized from the arrested suspects.
Evidence gathered during the investigation showed that this group is associated with the smuggling of 3 tonnes of marijuana, worth an estimated €30 million.
Hooligans
The criminals are said to have smuggled the drugs in refrigerated trucks from Spain to Poland, via the Netherlands and Germany. According to the authorities, the investigation also revealed how the gang members had connections with hooligans from various football clubs. In what capacity and which football clubs is not reported by the investigative services.
