Over 30 tonnes of white powder, which was believed to be used for making explosives, were seized during an international operation known as Desert Light, the European Union’s law enforcement agency said.
The arrest of a “big fish” in Dubai was reportedly linked to the activities of Ridouan Taghi, a criminal from the Netherlands. He was seized in 2019.
“The drugpins, considered as high-value targets by Europol, had come together to form what was known as a ‘super cartel’ which controlled around one third of the cocaine trade in Europe,” Europol said.
“The scale of cocaine importation into Europe under the suspects’ control and command was massive”.
A Dutch national was reportedly linked to the activities of a criminal group in Dubai. He allegedly formed an alliance with the leaders of Italian and Irish drug gangs.
In a video released by Europol, agents from the DEA and Spain’s Guardia Civil can be seen making arrests. They also show the seizure of luxury cars and various cash deposits.