Munich, December 11 – Following a four-year investigation, the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office (LKA) has announced a major success in the fight against organized crime. On December 2, a 39-year-old man was arrested in the Munich pedestrian zone on suspicion of international cocaine trafficking. Authorities reported that the suspect is alleged to be part of an organization involved in the high-volume distribution of cocaine, dealing in hundreds of kilograms of the drug.
Extensive Investigation and Coordinated Arrest Operation
The investigation into the 39-year-old began in 2021, led by the Munich I Public Prosecutor’s Office. It involved a collaborative effort between the LKA, the Munich Customs Investigation Office, and the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA). According to authorities, the Croatian national had reportedly been residing in Bosnia since autumn 2024, but investigators were alerted to his return to the Bavarian capital shortly before his arrest.
The arrest took place at midday on December 2 in the bustling Munich pedestrian zone. The operation involved more than 60 officers from the LKA and the Munich Police. During a subsequent search of the suspect’s apartment, officers discovered approximately 4.5 kilograms of cocaine and a substantial amount of cash. Additionally, documents, storage media, and expensive watches were seized. The watches were confiscated as part of efforts to recover any illicit gains from his criminal activities. The LKA stated that the suspect held a “prominent role” within the drug trafficking group.
The evaluation of the seized evidence is expected to take some time. The suspect was brought before an investigating judge at the Munich District Court the day after his arrest and has since been remanded in custody.
Connection to Obersendling Shooting Incident
The arrested individual is also believed to have connections to a man who was shot by law enforcement officers during an arrest attempt in Obersendling on the same day. The Obersendling suspect reportedly drove his car towards a police officer while attempting to evade arrest. He was subsequently hospitalized before being taken into custody.
On Wednesday, Munich Police confirmed that following the Obersendling arrest at 3:30 PM, searches of the suspect’s apartment, cellar, and vehicles uncovered several kilograms of narcotics, a large sum of cash, live firearms, a bulletproof vest, and forged identification documents.
A report by the Süddeutsche Zeitung indicated that the attempted escape in Obersendling was directly linked to the earlier arrest in the pedestrian zone, suggesting a clear connection between the two men.
Ongoing Efforts Against Organized Drug Crime
These arrests highlight the ongoing efforts of Bavarian law enforcement to combat organized drug crime. The LKA emphasized its commitment to dismantling such networks and bringing those responsible to justice. The significant seizures of cocaine and cash underscore the scale of the illegal operations.
The successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in tackling complex criminal activities. Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation and evaluation of evidence continue.
