In an operation coordinated via Eurojust, the Serbian authorities arrested five suspects this week for organising the long-term, large-scale transport of illicit drugs to Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway. Previously, eight fictitious owners of haulage companies used for these transports had already been detained in Serbia. This week’s successful action is the result of a joint investigation team (JIT) between Serbia and the four Nordic countries, set up and supported by Eurojust.
The criminal network that has now been brought down was responsible for transporting large quantities of narcotics, such as cocaine, amphetamines and cannabis, from Spain and the Netherlands to Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway. The network mainly arranged drivers and the lorries for transports via France and Germany. The drugs were hidden in secret compartments in the trucks, occasionally together with firearms.
Locally operating criminal groups were responsible for selling and distributing the illicit drugs. Over the last few years, several suspects have been arrested and, in some cases, convicted in Sweden, Denmark and Norway for their involvement in the drug trade via the transport network.
The total volume of drugs handled is not available, but the Serbian authorities estimate that at least 1.6 tonnes of various narcotics and approximately 62 000 tablets and pills were transported. Investigations had been ongoing as of 2020, when in April 2024 a JIT was set up to consolidate the investigative efforts. Eurojust provided logistical, organisational and financial support to this JIT. The Agency also organised a series of coordination meetings to prepare for the action this week.
During the operations in Serbia, several encrypted mobile phones were seized, as well as a firearm, ammunition and documents referring to the foundation of the Serbian transport companies. The coordination and cooperation between all countries involved was also facilitated by the fact that both Serbia and Norway are among the twelve countries outside the European Union to have a Liaison Prosecutor at Eurojust.
The operations were carried out and supported by the following authorities:
- Serbia: Prosecution Office for Organised Crime, Belgrade; Police Service for the Fight Against Organised Crime
- Sweden: Swedish Prosecution Authority, National Unit Against Organised Crime: Swedish Customs
- Finland: Prosecution District Southern Finland; National Bureau of Investigation
- Denmark: National Special Crime Unit
- Norway: Innlandet Police District