Operation MATRIX: 1.7 tonnes of drugs seized, international network dismantled
DIICOT has dismantled a drug trafficking network headed by Romanian Cristian Măhălean, alias "Matrix". 1.7 tonnes of drugs worth over 25 million euros were seized.
Predoiu commends police after seizure of 1.7 tonnes of drugs in Operation MATRIX
DIICOT prosecutors have dismantled an international drug trafficking network headed by Cristian Măhălean, nicknamed "Matrix" — a Romanian on Europol's list of Europe's most wanted criminals. According to Google News RO — Crime (ro), interim Interior Minister Cătălin Predoiu described the outcome of the operation on Tuesday, 25 August, as "a significant success" for the anti-drug structures of the Romanian Police.
"The seizure in recent days of 1.7 tonnes of high-risk drugs represents a significant success for the Ministry of Internal Affairs through the anti-drug structures of the Romanian Police," Predoiu said in an official statement.
The minister specified that since taking office, combating drug trafficking has been established as a priority. Over 200 police officers have been allocated to anti-drug structures, specialist canine teams for drug detection have been formed, and the network of analysis laboratories has been expanded. Additional funds have been allocated through the Anti-drug Roadmap to increase operational capacity.
"I commend the police officers and prosecutors involved and thank our international partners who stood with us. This is an important result. But we are not stopping here. The fight against drug trafficking continues," Predoiu added.
The dismantled organisation provided the Albanian mafia with a fleet of modified HGVs, altered in clandestine workshops in Maramureș, used as cover for apparently legitimate transports. Along the Spain–Western Europe route, the network moved hundreds of kilograms of cocaine, cannabis and hashish, operating as a private logistics company in service of major drug trafficking networks.
The investigation benefited from cooperation between authorities from Romania, France, Spain, Italy and Germany. Four consignments were intercepted, and the seized drugs — approximately 1.7 tonnes — have an estimated value of 9.6 million euros on the wholesale market and over 25 million euros at retail sale.
Source: Google News RO — Crime (ro)