Huge blow against drug mafia: Several arrests in Cologne!

Huge blow against drug mafia: Several arrests in Cologne!

A massive strike against organized drug trafficking was carried out in Cologne on July 5th. The Mülheim focus group carried out a large-scale operation that began with a traffic control at the intersection of Frankfurter Straße and Montanusstraße. Two men, a 27-year-old driver and his 35-year-old passenger, were checked. During this check, officers seized a disturbing amount of drugs and cash. They discovered LSD, cocaine and several hundred euros in the driver's pocket, while he had over a thousand euros in cash hidden in his trouser pocket. There was also cannabis in the vehicle and while in police custody, police found another thousand euros in the driver's underpants.

Based on the information obtained, investigations were initiated against the driver and his companions, which quickly led to a residence in Hürth. There the police executed a judicial search warrant, which led to further discoveries: In addition to cannabis and hashish, large amounts of cash, jewelry and gold were discovered. In another apartment in Cologne-Weiß, the investigators even came across over 40,000 euros in cash and ten bags of “magic mushrooms”. However, the searches were not carried out without resistance; some family members attempted to obstruct the measures, which resulted in additional criminal charges.

Extensive investigations and arrests

The extensive operation was part of a large-scale police operation that spanned several cities and ultimately targeted 18 properties in Frechen, Bergheim, Cologne, Bonn, Mönchengladbach and Dormagen. A total of four men between the ages of 36 and 51 were arrested who were able to substantiate suspicions of organized trafficking in narcotics. It is suspected that these defendants trafficked at least 70 kilograms of cocaine over a period of several years, specifically between March 2021 and May 2025.

The investigation, which began in May 2022, uncovered impressive assets: around 400,000 euros, including five cars, high-quality watches, around 90,000 euros in cash and a significant amount of cocaine, were seized. Communication via crypto messenger services such as ANOM and SkyECC gave the investigators valuable information. The evaluation of this evidence is still ongoing and has already led to further arrests.

The role of the BKA

Combating internationally organized drug-related crime remains a central task of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA). These worrying developments show the importance of a coordinated approach to combat crimes that violate the Narcotics Act and also result in violent attacks. The increase in global drug production also means that supply on the German market remains consistently high, which raises alarming prospects for the future.

Drug crime not only poses challenges for officials, but also represents a significant threat to internal security in Germany and the EU. The BKA has increased compliance with the law in the area of ​​the Narcotics Act (BtMG) and the fight against illegal drugs on the Internet and is indispensable in countering the dangers posed by this network.

The current investigations and arrests underline that the fight against drug trafficking continues to be intensive and that cooperative measures at regional and national levels are of great importance. The pressure on the drug mafias remains high, and the police are optimistic that they will achieve further success in the fight against drug trafficking.