Investigators in Slovenia have broken up an international trafficking network that distributed illegal drugs and banned performance enhancing substances across the European Union, arresting 11 people after a nearly two year investigation. The operation was led by the Maribor Police Department with support from Europol and targeted a well organized group that operated largely through the dark web.
Four men aged between 29 and 47, described as core members of the ring, have been remanded in custody, while a 60 year old associate from the Ljubljana area is suspected of laundering the proceeds. Seven additional suspects were identified during the probe.
Among those arrested are two serving police officers accused of leaking classified information to help the group avoid detection, with their cases being handled separately by a special prosecutorial unit.
During raids at multiple locations authorities seized around 75000 euros in cash, half a kilogram of gold, silver coins, a pistol with ammunition, more than 1100 pills, electronic devices and two luxury vehicles believed to have been bought with criminal proceeds. Over the course of the investigation police confiscated about one million units of illegal drugs or unauthorized medicines and several thousand doses of doping substances, with an estimated street value of 700000 euros. Investigators say the group generated at least 220000 euros in illegal profit, though the real amount is believed to be significantly higher.
