In a major international operation against the "Balkan ...

In a major international operation against the "Balkan Cartel," eight individuals were arrested on suspicion of organizing and participating in cocaine smuggling from Ecuador and Brazil to Europe. The arrests were conducted in collaboration with Europol and the police forces of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina following a months-long investigation. Authorities seized weapons, ammunition, luxury vehicles, and cash while the group’s organizers remain at large. The group is linked to the seizure of over 500 kg of cocaine in Croatia in 2021. One member was arrested in Ecuador, and several others are already in custody.