Europol officers searched 15 areas throughout the Balkan nation and made 9 arrests of “Excessive-Worth Targets holding key positions” within the alleged drug operation.
The raids additionally included seizures of twenty-two firearms, 722 items of ammunition, 15 automobiles, 2 vessels, luxurious watches, money and paperwork.
“The focused people have been intently linked to numerous Montenegrin felony cells lively inside a bigger drug trafficking community unfold throughout the Balkan area and past,” Iternpol stated in a launch.
“A few of the suspects allegedly belong to one of the vital infamous and violent Montenegrin clans, whereas others are suspected of main their very own impartial felony teams.
“One of many suspects, the chief of this felony group, is allegedly answerable for a number of murders carried out throughout gang wars.”
4 individuals have been charged whereas in jail, with one other 5 allegedly on the run.
The investigation was launched after 1.8 tonnes of cocaine shipments have been intercepted heading to Australia from Europe between 2020 and 2021.
Europol stated the 9 suspects have been already identified to legislation enforcement as that they had beforehand appeared in drug trafficking investigations.
Western Balken felony networks have more and more focused the Australian drug market because the proceeds of drug trafficking are considerably larger than the European market, in accordance with Europol.
The availability route contains Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Southern Europe and Africa earlier than reaching Australia, Europol additionally stated.
One kilo of cocaine might attain greater than $EU100,000 ($162,000) on the Australian black market, in accordance with Europol.
The investigation labored in cooperation with Europol between the Australian Federal Police and New South Wales Police, the Montenegrin Particular Police Division (Specialno Policijsko Odeljenje), and the USA Medication Enforcement Administration (DEA)
