Global police dismantle drug trafficking and money laundering networks across Europe and South America

A coordinated global operation has dismantled major drug trafficking and money laundering networks spanning Europe and South America, with arrests and seizures reported in multiple countries.
In Spain, the National Police, supported by Europol, arrested 15 suspects on July 22, 2026, as part of an investigation targeting underground bankers linked to drug trafficking and money laundering. Authorities also issued 19 international arrest warrants, with 21 suspects now facing charges including participation in a criminal organization .
Separately, Europol assisted Italian and Brazilian law enforcement in Operation EREDITÀ, which led to seven arrests in Brazil. The operation targeted a cocaine pipeline between South America and Europe, tied to the Italian Ndrangheta, and builds on prior operations SAMBA and MAFIUSI, which had previously resulted in 28 arrests across both regions .
In Ecuador, police seized over 1.5 tons of cocaine from an underground hideout near Manta, using explosives to access the site. The haul included 1,353 cocaine packages concealed in 55 jute bags, with an estimated value of over €55.7 million, according to Interior Minister John Reimberg .
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