Latin American organised crime ‘may operate in 16 European countries’
A Guardian investigation reveals that Latin American drug cartels are increasingly active across at least 12 European countries. The report highlights a 471% increase in cocaine seizures over the last decade, suggesting a deep integration between transnational criminal networks and local mafias.
Why it matters
This shift indicates a significant escalation in global drug trafficking, posing major security and law enforcement challenges for European nations.
A member of the Honduran narcotics directorate (DLCN) tests a package of cocaine before 2.5 tonnes of the drug are burnt in Tegucigalpa earlier this month./Getty Images A member of the Honduran narcotics directorate (DLCN) tests a package of cocaine before 2.5 tonnes of the drug are burnt in Tegucigalpa earlier this month./Getty Images Bloodlines Global development Latin American organised crime ‘may operate in 16 European countries’ Cocaine seizures in Europe are up more than fivefold in 10 years as a host of cartels take root. A four-month Guardian investigation reveals the true scale of a continent-wide shift
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in