Cocaine Trafficking Network Dismantled in Europe: France, Italy, Belgium, and Switzerland Involved

A major cocaine trafficking network has been dismantled following coordinated law enforcement operations across Europe, resulting in seven arrests in France and Italy. The operation, which took place on February 23, targeted a group accused of smuggling significant quantities of cocaine from South America into Europe and laundering the proceeds through shell companies and luxury investments.

Operation Details and Arrests

Authorities in France, Italy, Belgium, and Switzerland participated in the coordinated day of action. Four arrests were made in France and three in Italy, including a Montenegrin national who had been sought by multiple European countries Brussels Times. The Montenegrin suspect was apprehended in the Cannes area of France, with authorities seizing luxury goods valued at over five million euros.

Money Laundering Scheme

Investigations revealed that the criminal group laundered cocaine profits using front companies, false invoices, and investments in luxury goods. Members of the Camorra and ‘Ndrangheta, Italian mafia organizations, are suspected of reinvesting millions of euros across Europe Europol.

Swiss Involvement

In Switzerland, the Federal Office of Police (Fedpol) conducted searches in Ticino and Graubünden on behalf of the Federal Prosecutor’s Office. Fedpol collaborated with cantonal police and the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG). While searches and seizures were carried out in Switzerland, no arrests were made Brussels Times.

Europol and Eurojust Support

The operation was supported by Europol and Eurojust, the European Union Agency for Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters. Europol provided advanced criminal and financial analysis, secure communication channels, and on-site deployments in France and Italy to assist national investigators Europol. A seizure in Belgium at the end of 2025 provided a crucial breakthrough in the investigation, leading to the identification and pursuit of the Montenegrin national Brussels Times.

France-Italy Cooperation

The operation highlights the ongoing cooperation between France and Italy on law enforcement matters Wikipedia. Both countries share a border and have a history of collaboration on security issues, though their relationship has seen periods of rivalry and tension.