International cocaine network dismantled: 41 arrests across twelve Swiss cantons
In a coordinated raid, investigators searched 84 locations in Switzerland and six other countries. 41 people were provisionally arrested.
Raid against cocaine smuggling network targets 84 locations across seven countries
Between Tuesday and Wednesday, enforcement officers searched 84 locations in Switzerland and abroad, according to a joint statement from the Federal Prosecution Office (BA) and the Federal Police Office (Fedpol). According to SRF, a total of 41 people were provisionally detained across twelve cantons; the authorities requested pre-trial detention for five of them. Three further suspects are held in extradition custody abroad.
On the Swiss side of the operation, police forces from the cantons of Thurgau, Zurich, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, St. Gallen, Schwyz, Bern, Lucerne, Zug, Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft, Solothurn and Schaffhausen were involved. Internationally, the operation was coordinated with partner authorities in Germany, Czechia, the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Greece and Poland, as well as with Eurojust and Europol.
Investigators seized cash totalling more than 2.3 million francs, cryptocurrency worth 50,000 francs, and 15 weapons.
The suspects are accused of transporting large quantities of cocaine from Latin America to Europe in shipping containers – concealed within legitimate cargo. Specially established commodity trading companies in Switzerland and the Netherlands served as delivery addresses. Authorities estimate several tonnes of cocaine were involved; most recently, investigators intercepted a shipment containing more than 750 kilogrammes of the drug in Antwerp in August 2026.
There is also suspicion of money laundering through various companies. Corresponding reports have been filed with the Money Laundering Reporting Office (MROS).
The investigation has been ongoing since 2022 and concerns activities dating back at least to early 2019. The starting point was a criminal investigation opened by the BA in 2023 in cooperation with the Thurgau cantonal police. The BA was unable to disclose further details regarding the raids and the suspects owing to the ongoing proceedings. All accused persons are presumed innocent.
Source: SRF