A British man, suspected of leading an international drugs ring controlling a major part of Europe's narcotics market, has been detained in a multi-national law enforcement operation.
Officers from the UK's National Crime Agency took part in the operation which saw almost 50 arrests of suspected key figures in organised crime group.
Another British man, accused of holding a key financial role in the gang, has also been detained.
The group is believed to have smuggled cocaine from South America to Europe.
Europol
The Europol-led operation saw 49 arrests in France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates in connection with the Organised Crime Group's drug trafficking activities.
Authorities confirmed more than 30 tonnes of cocaine was also seized. The group is believed to have smuggled cocaine from South America to Europe via ports including Barcelona, Valencia and Algeciras.
The National Crime Agency's international liaison officers worked with the Spanish Guardia Civil in relation to a British man alleged to be a key part of the network.
Living on the Costa del Sol, he is suspected of being the group’s money launderer, setting up a construction business to conceal the criminal origin of the profits. Another British man, believed to be the group’s leader, was arrested in Dubai, having fled there from the Costa del Sol following a kidnap attempt.
Authorities say he is understood to have directed and coordinated the group’s criminal activities from the UAE.
Spanish police also seized 500,000 Euros in cash during villa raids.
Europol
Spanish police also seized 500,000 Euros in cash during raids on villas.They also recovered weapons, high end cars and luxury watches.
Some of the vehicles were worth around 300,000 Euros each. The National Crime Agency's Regional Manager Steve Reynolds said: “This is yet another example of the NCA’s international reach and close cooperation with overseas law enforcement agencies to help combat the organised criminals behind the trade in class A drugs.
“In this case, we helped our Spanish counterparts to target a British man who was one of the crime group’s key players. We will continue to offer any support we can to assist the Spanish Guardia Civil investigation.”
