A joint anti-narcotic operation in Latin America and Europe, code named ‘Operation Hinterland’,  has uncovered an international drug smuggling network and confiscated billions of dollar worth of cocaine.

The action which involved  police in France, Spain, among others, was directed from two Brazilian command centres, Europol announced on Friday in The Hague. 

The alleged drug smuggling ring is one of the largest in Brazil, and has flooded Europe with huge shipments of cocaine.

The investigation began with a tip from a German customs agent who, in December 2020, seized 316 kilos of cocaine in the port of Hamburg. A Brazilian company was reportedly behind the shipment.

According to Europol, the investigators then succeeded in uncovering transport routes that the gang used to smuggle the hidden cocaine from Paraguay in trucks before exporting it to Europe.

However in the latest operation on Thursday, Investigators seized 17 tons of cocaine and assets worth about $87 million while fifteen people were arrested.

They searched 37 locations, seized 173 vehicles, one plane and froze the bank accounts of 147 people and 66 companies.

Police also took steps in Spain to confiscate the assets of alleged gang members.

According to Europol,  investigators had smashed the gang’s entire operation, from Paraguayan suppliers to shipping outfits to money launderers who handled the proceeds of the illegal business.

The investigation  lasted two years, according to the European police agency.