Munich, December 11 – In a significant blow against organized crime, Munich police have revealed details of a major operation conducted last week that led to the dismantling of an international drug trafficking network. The coordinated effort involved 60 officers and resulted in the arrest of a high-ranking drug mafia member and a local dealer, along with the seizure of substantial quantities of illegal substances and cash.
High-Ranking Croatian Drug Lord Apprehended in City Center
The operation commenced with the arrest of a 39-year-old Croatian national, who was a high-ranking member of an organized crime group involved in international cocaine trafficking. He was apprehended by Bavarian State Criminal Police Office (LKA) narcotics investigators in Munich’s pedestrian zone. The arrest was made based on an existing warrant, and a subsequent search of his apartment yielded 4.5 kilograms of cocaine.
Investigations into the Croatian suspect had been ongoing for four years. He is accused of international, organized cocaine trafficking in the triple-digit kilogram range as part of a vast international network. The LKA collaborated with the Munich Customs Investigation Office, the Public Prosecutor’s Office Munich I, and the Federal Criminal Police Office in this extensive investigation. Authorities had been alerted the day before that the suspect had traveled from Bosnia to Germany and was in Munich. Special units moved in around noon to make the arrest.
Dealer Shot During Escape Attempt in Obersendling
Hours after the initial arrest, Munich police acted swiftly on intelligence linking the apprehended drug lord to a 34-year-old German-Croatian national located in Obersendling on December 2. As officers attempted to apprehend him around 3:30 PM, the suspect tried to flee. He accelerated his BMW from an underground garage towards an officer, leading to a police officer firing a shot that struck the man in his left forearm. A police car strategically positioned across the road successfully stopped the vehicle, preventing his escape.
Significant Seizures and Prior Criminal Record
Following the arrest, narcotics experts from Commissionerate 82 searched a Munich apartment, a cellar compartment, and several vehicles used by the suspect. They discovered over five kilograms of amphetamines and methamphetamine, along with a substantial amount of cash. The alleged dealer was also found to be in possession of three loaded firearms with ammunition, a ballistic protective vest, and forged documents. The man was already known to the police for assault and property offenses. He is now in pre-trial detention, facing charges of drug trafficking and attempted murder of a police officer.
Drug Routes and Impact on Munich
The arrests shed light on how drugs, particularly cocaine, make their way into Munich, a city currently experiencing a surge in cocaine use. The police emphasize that drug consumption not only harms individuals but also fuels organized crime networks that exploit vulnerable communities.
The successful ‘double strike’ highlights the ongoing efforts of Munich law enforcement to combat international drug trafficking and ensure public safety. The investigations are ongoing, with authorities working to uncover further details of the network’s operations and bring all involved parties to justice.
Source: https://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/muenchen-obersendling-polizei-schuss-drogen-festnahmen-li.3352377
