Hamburg court begins trial of man accused in 2.4-ton cocaine smuggling case

A trial has commenced at the Hamburg District Court against a 30-year-old man accused of managing the large-scale smuggling and distribution of approximately 2.4 tons of cocaine. Prosecutors allege that between January 2024 and September 2025, the defendant acted as a high-ranking member, or “operations manager,” within a hierarchically organized criminal group.

In this role, the defendant is accused of coordinating logistics, managing bookkeeping, overseeing drug stocks, and directing other members, including couriers and individuals responsible for hiding drugs and money. The group allegedly smuggled the cocaine into Germany for sale both domestically and throughout Europe.

One specific case involves the distribution of 615 kilograms of cocaine, which reportedly generated a turnover of approximately 17 million euros. The indictment describes various transactions involving quantities in the high two- to three-digit kilogram range.