Cologne in the drug swamp: 520 kilos of cocaine discovered between bananas!

Cologne in the drug swamp: 520 kilos of cocaine discovered between bananas!

In a spectacular drug case, investigators in Cologne discovered an incredible amount of 520 kilograms of cocaine - hidden in harmless banana boxes from Ecuador! After a dangerous journey across the ocean, the cocaine was smuggled to the port in Hamburg with the aim of being sold at the Cologne wholesale market. But customs was faster! A sophisticated plan by the investigators led to the arrest of the suspected drug smugglers.

The raid took place after the container was unloaded at the port, and the authorities finally put a stop to the criminal networks. The investigators not only secured the drugs, but also swapped them with a substitute and continued the game. The banana boxes were supposed to be forwarded to the next transport company, but the police had other plans and struck before the smugglers' big coup.

The masterminds and their wire cutters

Five defendants, all between 36 and 58 years old, are now the focus of the judiciary and must answer for illegal drug trafficking. While four of them are already in custody, they are awaiting the trial, which is scheduled to last until the end of January 2024. During searches, investigators also found more than 30,000 euros in cash and many electronic devices, which are now being examined for their evidentiary value.

A defense attorney protests the innocence of his client, who apparently knew nothing about the illegal contents in the boxes. But the dark events surrounding this drug case are not new in Cologne: dealers had previously been brought to justice for smuggling over 2 tons of cocaine using absurd methods. It seems as if the drug barons in North Rhine-Westphalia are always finding new ways to get their dangerous goods to the people. The investigators remain on the hunt and the pressure on the drug smuggling rings remains high!