Poles in Spain hid drugs in truck spare tires in Europe-wide smuggling network

Polish citizens based in Spain reportedly ran a large-scale cross-border drug operation, concealing narcotics such as cannabis in the spare tires of Polish freight trucks.

Poland's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBŚP) has broken up several criminal groups involved in large-scale cross-border drug trafficking. Polish nationals in Spain were transporting narcotics hidden in the spare tires of trucks operated by Polish freight companies.

Photo: CBŚP

Investigators from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBŚP) say the network shipped tens of tons of drugs across Europe, with destinations like Ireland, Germany, Austria, and the Nordic countries, while some shipments also reached Poland.

Authorities seized over 800 kilograms of narcotics, including marijuana, hashish, and amphetamine, alongside firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. The estimated black-market value exceeds 1 billion PLN (around €11.8 million).

Some of the arrested were linked to football fan groups in Silesia, a region in south-western Poland. More than 170 people have been charged, with over 110 held in pre-trial detention, and some already sentenced to more than ten years in prison.

The investigation involved close cooperation with European law enforcement, coordinated through Europol and Eurojust, with key roles played by German and Irish authorities.

Assets worth over 50 million PLN (around €11.8 million), comprising property abroad, cryptocurrencies, luxury watches, and vehicles, were also seized.

(mp)

Source: CBŚP