Drug raid in Cologne: Police catch 3 suspects with weapons and money

Drug raid in Cologne: Police catch 3 suspects with weapons and money

Last Saturday afternoon, the police in the Cologne area landed a significant blow against organized drug trafficking. Investigators from the Mülheim focus group carried out a civil traffic stop at the intersection of Frankfurter Strasse and Montanusstrasse at 12:20 p.m., targeting three suspects, including a 27-year-old main suspect and his 35-year-old passenger. The driver not only had LSD and cocaine in his bag, but also several hundred euros in cash and additional thousand-euro bills hidden in his clothing, as Erftkreis News reports.

The search of the vehicle also revealed a variety of drugs, including cannabis. While the 27-year-old was being detained, officers also discovered additional cash in his underwear. The driver attempted to provide false information about his place of residence. However, his actual address in Hürth was quickly determined.

Extensive searches and arrests

On the same day, as part of the investigation, the driver's apartments and two others in his family environment were searched on a court order. Extensive discoveries were made: large quantities of cannabis, hashish, cash, jewelry, gold, MDMA and hallucinogenic mushrooms were seized. Among the storage locations was the apartment of a relative in Cologne-Weiß, where over 40,000 euros in cash and ten bags of “magic mushrooms” were discovered. It is noteworthy that several family members resisted during the searches, which will result in criminal investigations against these individuals. Drugs, including small amounts of ketamine and ecstasy, were also discovered in the 35-year-old passenger's apartment.

A total of three preliminary arrests were made: the 27-year-old main suspect, his 59-year-old mother and the 35-year-old passenger. Criminal Investigation Department 13 of the Rhein-Erft district police has taken over the further investigation. All seized narcotics and valuables are now being processed and evaluated while the investigation into possible backers and other people involved continues.

Drug crime in Germany and its challenges

Combating drug-related crime is a permanent challenge. According to the Federal Criminal Police Office Organized crime often manages to profit from illegal profits in the drug trade. The increased availability of drugs worldwide, as well as the threat posed by new psychoactive substances, poses a significant threat to internal security. The BKA's work in this area not only ensures the identification and arrest of suspects, but also comprehensive information about drugs and their risks and consequences.

Current events, such as the extensive deployment in the Hameln-Pyrmont and Holzminden districts, demonstrate the seriousness of the situation. 28 objects were searched there and various drugs, a blank gun, cash and valuable clothing were seized NDR reported. Such operations are part of long investigations in which the police take action against widespread networks, which often also have international connections.

The current situation makes it clear that drug trafficking is a far-reaching problem that must be monitored and combated not only locally, but also at national and international levels. The focus is not only on arresting suspects, but also on dismantling these large-scale crime networks, an undertaking that involves a lot of effort and many challenges.