Ecuador: 36 arrests in investigation into 73 tons of cocaine for Europe
In Ecuador, 36 suspects were arrested on Thursday in an investigation into the seizure of 73 tons of cocaine. The criminal network imported large quantities of cocaine from Ecuador to ports in Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain. This was reported by Europol on Friday.
A large-scale drug trafficking investigation, supported by Europol, led to the dismantling of an Ecuadorian criminal organisation involved in large-scale cocaine trafficking to several European ports. The international operation, led by the Ecuadorian National Police (Policía Nacional del Ecuador), also involved the German Criminal Police (LKA Baden-Württemberg), the German Customs Service (ZFA Stuttgart) and the Spanish Guardia Civil.
Germany and Spain
The criminal network was involved in the smuggling of several tons of cocaine via sea containers from South America to Europe. The network arranged the transport from Ecuador to Europe, managed the money flows via various companies and front men and maintained contact with the suppliers. The criminal cells that were active in Germany and Spain – equipped with commercial and transport companies and drivers – took care of the logistical part of the operation in Europe and the further distribution of the drugs within the EU.
Since the start of the investigation in 2024, authorities have seized 73 tons of cocaine in Ecuador and the EU and arrested 14 suspects in Germany and Spain for their alleged involvement in the criminal organization.
Guayaquil
During Thursday's action day, 36 suspects were arrested in 50 raids in the Ecuadorian city of Guayaquil. Vehicles, documents and electronic equipment were seized, among other things.
https://www.crimesite.nl/ecuador-36-arrestaties-in-onderzoek-naar-73-ton-cocaine-voor-europa/
