Authorities in Poland have dismantled a significant drug trafficking gang, leading to the arrest of 19 individuals and the seizure of assets worth 850,000 PLN. The criminal group, active between 2000 and 2020, was involved in smuggling drugs, particularly cocaine, into the country. Among those arrested is a suspect linked to a 22-year-old murder case that occurred at the Blue Note nightclub in Poznań.
The gang reportedly smuggled 360 kg of pure cocaine from South America, with a market value of 72 million PLN, using shipments of bananas. Mistakenly, some packages ended up in grocery stores across Poland, which allowed law enforcement to intercept the drugs.
The arrests took place in Poznań, Warsaw, and Trójmiasto, with authorities seizing drugs, luxury items, and significant amounts of cash in multiple currencies. Additionally, investigators uncovered evidence suggesting the gang laundered money through various companies.
One of the key breakthroughs in the investigation came from testimony provided by a crown witness, which also helped reopen the murder case of an Armenian man killed in Poznań in 2002. Andrzej K., a suspect in the murder, has been detained and faces life imprisonment if convicted.
Authorities have not ruled out further arrests as the investigation continues. The operation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation and customs services.