The Hague, 6 March 2026
A global drug trafficking network has been dismantled following coordinated actions by authorities worldwide, supported by Eurojust and Europol. The operation resulted in the arrest of 15 suspects and began after Swedish investigators seized two mobile phones in a small town.
Forensic analysis of the devices revealed international contacts and communications used to coordinate criminal activities far beyond Sweden. The data exposed a sophisticated network involved in large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering, linking several criminal groups operating through a web of companies across multiple countries.
Investigators determined that members of the network in Thailand ran an online drug distribution operation targeting customers in the Nordic region. In Sweden, associates managed domestic distribution and laundered criminal profits, while in Spain a high-value target facilitated large-scale drug trafficking.
Following the discovery, Eurojust brought together judicial authorities from several countries to exchange information and coordinate strategic action. Early results included the seizure by German authorities of 1.2 tonnes of synthetic drugs destined for the Australian market. Two distributors waiting for the shipment were subsequently identified and arrested in Australia.
Once the key actors within the network were identified, authorities prepared a coordinated international operation. On 4 March, approximately 20 searches were carried out in Spain, Sweden and Thailand, leading to the arrest of 13 suspects. Investigators seized phones, documents and other evidence, which are now being further analysed.
Judicial cooperation through Eurojust began in early 2025 after the Swedish Prosecution Authority identified the need for international coordination. Meetings held at Eurojust in The Hague brought together authorities from Sweden, Germany, Spain and Australia to exchange intelligence and plan strategic actions. Eurojust also facilitated the preparation and execution of European Investigation Orders, European Arrest Warrants and freezing orders across multiple jurisdictions.
Europol provided extensive operational support throughout the investigation, including advanced analytical assistance, cryptocurrency analysis, intelligence reporting and funding for cross-border investigative activities.
Commenting on the operation, Senior Public Prosecutor Tove Kullberg of Sweden stated: “The support from Eurojust during the action day made things run smoothly. I found the support from Eurojust invaluable.”
Authorities involved:
Sweden: Swedish Prosecution Authority – National Unit Against Organised Crime; Swedish Economic Crime Authority; Swedish Police.
Spain: Central Investigative Court No. 4; Anti-Drug Prosecutor’s Office; Guardia Civil – UCO Málaga and Balearic Islands; Judicial Police Unit of Catalonia.
