Explosion in Cologne: drug war or targeted violence? Police are investigating!

Explosion in Cologne: drug war or targeted violence? Police are investigating!

In Cologne, an explosion in a restaurant near police headquarters is causing concern and speculation. The detonation occurred on Thursday night, shattering windows and throwing chairs onto the sidewalk. The police have cordoned off a large area of ​​the crime scene and are now investigating a possible connection to the drug war. As the Review online reported, it is assumed that an intentional act was committed.

The background of the restaurant owner, who is the father of the boss of a drug gang that is already involved in several investigations, is particularly explosive. This gang was the victim of a 350 kilogram marijuana heist last summer, which led to a wave of violence and explosions. The restaurant owner's 23-year-old son, a German-Iraqi, has been in custody since January. The Cologne public prosecutor's office is now preparing charges against other defendants who are involved in these criminal excesses. Fortunately, no one was injured in the explosion in the restaurant.

However, the investigation relies on police finding two men who fled the scene shortly after the explosion. The restaurant itself is equipped with extensive video surveillance, which could be helpful in the ongoing investigation. Information about the explosion can be reported to the Cologne police.

Explosions as warning signals?

Cologne police have been confronted with a series of explosions in recent weeks. Several explosions were reported in Cologne and Bonn, which experts see as a sign of a new quality of violence among criminal gangs. Explosions have recently occurred in the region, including in September, when a café in Cologne-Pesch burned down and explosions were recorded in front of a single-family home and in front of a clothing store. NRW Interior Minister Herbert Reul sees a direct connection with the planned release of cannabis in Germany and emphasizes that this development could lead to new dimensions of violence among criminal groups.

As the n-tv Reportedly, police fear the explosive violence is intended to serve as a warning to other drug dealers. The situation is considered dangerous, particularly with regard to the so-called "Mocro-Mafia", which has its origins in Moroccan gangs. There are great fears that the market for illegal drugs could continue to grow, especially given the acute need for an estimated 400 tons of cannabis annually.

The role of organized crime

The challenge of drug crime not only poses a significant threat to internal security in Germany, but also affects the entire EU and beyond. The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) emphasizes that more and more organized crime gangs are capitalizing on the profits from the drug trade. Illegal trade, particularly with classic drugs such as heroin and cocaine as well as new psychoactive substances, promotes violent conflicts.

The police and the BKA are responsible for countering these threats. Increasing pressure from drug traffickers and the methodical production of synthetic drugs are just some of the challenges facing the fight against drugs. Despite the danger posed by these circumstances, the supply of narcotics remains indispensably high.

In this uncertain situation, continued support from the population is important. Information about suspected cases or observations can help the police to regain some order and stem the wave of violence.