The drug trade in Europe has taken on a new face. Organized criminal groups are now using unprecedented methods of cocaine trafficking. They have learned to hide this substance in fruit juices, spices, and even plastic products. This was announced by Holger Münch, head of the German Federal Criminal Executive Office, as reported by DW.com.
According to Holger Münch, drug smuggling is no longer limited to the delivery of goods through a regular port. Now traders also use mini-submarines, fast inflatable boats, and special capsules. These methods are said to allow cocaine to be smuggled by sea to Europe.
According to analyses, drug cartels have learned to add cocaine to spices and fruit juices coming from South America through a special chemical process. As a result, it mixes with the product in such a way that it is practically impossible to detect it during standard inspections at ports and airports.
Then these mixtures are processed in secret laboratories located in some industrial regions of Europe, and cocaine is distributed as a finished product in purified form.
As Munich noted, this trend is causing serious concern not only for Germany but for the entire European security system. "In recent years, the main centers of smuggling have moved from Belgium and the Netherlands to Spain and France. "This means the emergence of a new network of 'narcology' on European cargo routes," he said.
European law enforcement agencies plan to strengthen joint raids and digital surveillance systems to restrict the activities of drug cartels. But experts believe that the struggle will be long and difficult, as traders constantly come up with new methods.
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