Latin American drug cartels expand operations into Europe and the Balkans

Investigations by The Guardian and security experts indicate that Latin American cocaine cartels are increasingly expanding their operations into Europe, establishing networks that connect South American producers directly to European markets. These criminal organizations are reportedly working in partnership with organized crime groups in the Balkans.

In Belgium, a high-profile trial in Brussels, known as the Bressers-Carvalho case, has highlighted the cooperation between Belgian criminal organizations and Brazilian cocaine gangs. The proceedings involved 31 defendants and required heavy police security at the Justitia courtroom to prevent retaliation.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, security expert Radislav Jovičić noted that the country’s geographic position and security vulnerabilities make it a suitable route for narcotics transport. Experts suggest that local law enforcement often focuses on small-scale seizures rather than dismantling the international networks driving the trade.