Europol supported police authorities in Montenegro and Germany in an operation targeting an alleged Balkan drugs cartel.
The action today resulted in the arrest of 12 suspects, including four in Germany and a so-called High Value Target (HVT) arrested in Montenegro.
The investigation also involved authorities from Austria and Spain. It focused on a criminal network allegedly involved in large-scale trafficking of cocaine and cannabis. The suspects are believed to have had different roles within the organisation, such as financiers, coordinators and logisticians.
According to judicial authorities in Montenegro, several suspects have been charged for their alleged involvement in trafficking around three tonnes of cocaine and a tonne and half of cannabis between October 2024 and April 2026.
These drugs were seized during 12 separate operations carried out in several countries, including in the European Union and South America.
Investigators believe the network used both sea and air routes to transport drugs. They relied on shipping containers and other hidden methods to move the substances without being detected, it was reported.
The group is also suspected of smuggling cannabis into the EU from or through countries such as Albania, Thailand and the US.
Around 100 police officers were involved in the action day in Montenegro and Germany, carrying out arrests and searches.
Europol supported the operation by helping with co-ordination and information exchange between countries. It also provided analytical and financial support, including funding for specialised equipment.
