ALMOST 50 PEOPLE ARRESTED OVER DRUG TRAFFICKING

THE HAGUE, OCTOBER 8 /SRNA/ - Almost 50 people have been arrested in an international operation targeting a drug trafficking network whose members are from Western Balkan countries and are linked to killings, kidnappings and bomb attacks across Europe, Europol said.

"The group includes nationals of BiH and Serbia, along with suspects from Slovenia, Bulgaria, Turkey and the Netherlands," the statement said.

The investigation, supported by Europol, uncovered a network suspected of concealing large shipments of drugs in commercial cargo.

"When drugs were seized, disputes would erupt, with members of the group and their families allegedly becoming targets of violent retaliation," Europol said.

The operation culminated on October 6, 2026, when police searched 42 premises across Slovenia and Spain.

Thirty-four people were arrested in Slovenia, one each in Spain and Croatia, while 11 people had been arrested previously.

"Investigators from Slovenia and Spain cooperated with the Croatian authorities, while the arrests were coordinated from a coordination center in Ljubljana, supported by Europol," Europol said.

During the operation, authorities seized 66 kilograms of drugs, including 51 kilograms of cannabis and 15 kilograms of amphetamine, as well as firearms, jewellery and cash.

"Investigators linked the network to multiple shootings, killings and attempted killings, as well as the kidnapping of a member of the group. Explosive devices, including hand grenades, were used in attacks primarily targeting members of the group or their families," Europol said.

Members of the criminal network also used highly secure encrypted communication platforms, including "Sky" and "CryptCom", to coordinate drug shipments, communicate with other members and attempt to conceal their criminal activities from law enforcement authorities.