Drug-trafficking network coordinated from Romania: 1.7 tonnes seized from lorries
Nearly 1,719 kg of drugs transported by lorries from Spain across Europe in a network coordinated from Romania. The leader of the group was designated by Europol as a High Value Target.
Pyramid-structured drug-trafficking network dismantled following four interceptions across Europe
According to data published by mediafax.ro, the Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) conducted 16 searches at residential addresses and company premises in Timișoara, Satu Mare, Oradea and Câmpulung Moldovenesc, as well as in Maramureș, Timiș and Mehedinți counties.
The investigation targets a criminal group formed in September 2023. Four men and an international transport company formed the initial nucleus of the pyramid-structured network, to which nine additional men, one woman and four other companies later joined. The life partner of one of the leaders also supported the group's activities.
Orders from Albanian drug traffickers, executed with lorries fitted with hidden compartments
The group's leaders, based in Romania, received orders from Albanian drug traffickers and transmitted them to members at other levels of the network. They were responsible for recruiting drivers and securing vehicles, whilst the entire conduct of the transports was monitored from Romania.
The drugs — cannabis resin, cannabis and cocaine — were purchased from Spain and transported to various European states via lorries fitted with secret compartments.
Seizures: 114 kg cocaine, over 1,376 kg hashish and 228 kg cannabis
Authorities in France, Germany, Italy and Spain intercepted four transports on the basis of evidence and information transmitted by Romanian prosecutors. The total drugs seized amount to approximately 1,719 kilograms: 114 kg cocaine, 228.219 kg cannabis and 1,376.913 kg hashish.
The estimated value of the confiscated quantities is approximately €9.6 million at wholesale prices and approximately €25 million at retail level.
International cooperation was conducted through Eurojust, alongside the competent authorities from France, Spain, Italy and Germany, as well as other national police forces.
Leader designated by Europol as High Value Target
In 2025, the group's leader, a Romanian citizen, was included by Europol on the High Value Targets list at Romania's request. DIICOT clarifies that such a status is granted to persons whose criminal activity "generates a major, cross-border threat of serious and organised crime for two or more Member States of the European Union".
Evidence presented in the case also revealed that the leader used an encrypted messaging application specific to drug-trafficking circles. Data relating to this were obtained through a European Investigation Order transmitted by French authorities.
Hearings in this case are to take place at DIICOT headquarters.
Source: Google News RO — Crime (ro)