Polish police dismantle major organized‑crime networks in first half of 2026

The Central Bureau of Investigation of the Polish Police (CBŚP) reported a sweeping crackdown on organised crime during the first six months of 2026. Nearly 2,000 suspects were charged, with more than 1,400 accused of belonging to criminal groups and over 120 alleged leaders. Authorities seized over 75 tonnes of illicit drugs, shut down 40 drug laboratories and six cannabis farms, and confiscated 441 illegal cigarettes and 356 tonnes of untaxed tobacco, amounting to assets worth roughly 660 million zł, of which about 318 million zł was recovered.

In parallel, an international operation involving Polish, Belgian and Czech police dismantled a trans‑national gang that trafficked cocaine, ketamine‑type substances and anabolic steroids. The raid secured around 167 kg of the synthetic drug klefedron (valued at about 1.2 million zł) and seized more than 100 kg of various narcotics across the three countries. Arrests were made in multiple Polish voivodeships and in Belgium and the Czech Republic, with sentences ranging up to 20 years in prison.

The coordinated effort highlighted extensive cross‑border cooperation, including support from Europol and the Dutch authorities, and underscored the CBŚP’s focus on disrupting the financial and logistical foundations of organised crime.