- EU countries unite against a multi-ton drug trafficking network as cooperation between the EU and Latin America intensifies.
- A criminal organization trafficking large shipments of cocaine hidden in maritime containers to Europe—mainly Spain, Belgium, Germany, and Italy—has been dismantled.
- Authorities conducted 50 searches across Ecuador, leading to the arrest of 50 individuals of various nationalities—36 in Ecuador and 14 in Germany and Spain.
A large-scale drug trafficking investigation, supported by Europol, has led to the dismantling of an Ecuadorian criminal cell involved in wholesale cocaine supply to the EU via major ports. The international operation, led by Ecuador’s National Police, also involved the German Criminal Police (LKA Baden-Württemberg), the German Customs Office (ZFA Stuttgart), and Spain’s Guardia Civil.
The criminal network in Ecuador was part of an intercontinental organization dedicated to smuggling multiple tons of cocaine via maritime containers from South America to Europe. This cell was responsible for coordinating shipments from Ecuador, managing financial transactions through shell companies, and liaising with suppliers. In Europe, criminal cells operating in Germany and Spain handled logistics, transportation, and distribution through front companies, transport firms, and hired drivers.
KEY RESULTS FROM THE MARCH 13 OPERATION IN ECUADOR:
- 36 arrests in Guayaquil
- 50 house searches
- Major drug seizures
This criminal network imported vast amounts of cocaine from Ecuador to ports in Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain. Since the investigation began in 2024, authorities have seized 73 tons of cocaine in Ecuador and the EU, including 20 tons bound for Spain. Additionally, 14 suspects have been arrested in Germany and Spain for their alleged involvement.
EUROPOL’S ROLE IN DISRUPTING THE COCAINE SUPPLY CHAIN
Since mid-2023, Europol has facilitated intelligence sharing and provided continuous analytical support for the international investigation, partly driven by Europol’s specialized task force. Europol played a key role in coordinating efforts across agencies and deployed two experts to Ecuador to provide real-time analytical and technical support during the operation.
This operation aligns with Europol’s strategy to systematically dismantle criminal networks by targeting every level of the global supply chain—including financial transactions and money laundering linked to drug trafficking. It also highlights increasing collaboration with non-EU countries, which is crucial in the fight against serious organized crime.
The operation follows a series of strengthened partnerships between the EU and Latin America, including a newly signed EU-Ecuador agreement to enhance cooperation and intelligence-sharing. Additionally, Europol reached a significant milestone in its partnership with Brazil, allowing the exchange of personal data for law enforcement purposes. The week concluded with Europol hosting ministerial delegations from the Latin American Committee on Interior Security (CLASI), reinforcing its commitment to deeper regional cooperation.
At the same time, this operation is part of ongoing efforts by EU Member States and Europol to combat high-threat criminal networks operating within the EU, particularly those infiltrating major ports. By fostering a coordinated response among EU nations, the objective is to dismantle logistical hubs linked to command-and-control centers that threaten internal security. As part of this initiative, Europol has partnered with the ports of Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Hamburg/Bremerhaven to publish a joint analytical report outlining the risks and challenges posed by criminal networks operating within EU ports.
