# EU drug seizures & crackdown, Project Medusa 2026

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/german-police-intensify-raids-on-illicit-trade
> Updated: 2026-07-31T16:01:00.000Z. Sources: 223. Developments: 47.

Project Medusa’s momentum continued through July–August 2026. After German customs seized 24 kg of cocaine at Frankfurt Airport on 4 July and a detection‑dog sweep at Berlin Brandenburg, police in Schweinfurt carried out a large‑scale control operation on 22 July, arresting five suspects linked to illegal cannabis trade and detaining additional individuals with cannabis and cash. The following week, on 29 August, a coordinated raid in Münster uncovered several hundred grams of cocaine, kilograms of marijuana, a loaded firearm, other weapons and roughly €100 000 in cash; arrest warrants were issued for three men as part of a broader organised‑crime probe.

In the Netherlands, the investigation into customs corruption deepened. The three Rotterdam‑area customs officers arrested in April – accused of bribery, breach of official secrecy, computer intrusion and facilitating cocaine imports – remained on non‑active status after a Rotterdam court released them on bail on 1 July pending trial. The case, stemming from a police intelligence tip and overseen by the Combiteam Havens, continues to highlight internal challenges for Dutch authorities.

These actions add to a series of high‑profile seizures and investigations across the EU since July 2025, reinforcing Project Medusa’s focus on dismantling drug networks and addressing institutional vulnerabilities.

## Claims

- Police conducted raids in Marl, Haltern am See, and Duisburg on 30 July 2026. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Two cannabis plantations were discovered during the raids. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Four men aged 25 to 66 were arrested. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The arrested men were two Tunisian nationals, one Albanian, and one German. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The suspects are charged with organised cultivation, production and trafficking of cannabis in non‑negligible amounts. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Large amounts of chemicals and equipment for drug manufacturing were seized. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The fire brigade and a specialist firm disposed of the chemical containers. (corroborated by 7 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-07-31: Two men arrested in Oosterwolde over massive Rotterdam cocaine haul

Dutch police arrested two men from Zwolle and Oosterwolde after a traffic stop linked them to a Rotterdam container holding 375 cocaine blocks; court custody was later imposed.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/two-men-arrested-in-oosterwolde-over-massive-rotterdam-cocaine-haul

### 2026-07-30: German police seize cannabis plantations in Marl, Haltern, Duisburg

Police raids in Marl, Haltern and Duisburg uncovered cannabis plantations, seized chemicals and arrested four men (Tunisian, Albanian, German) on organised drug‑trafficking charges.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-police-raids-in-schweinfurt-and-mnster-seize-cannabis-cocaine-and-weapons

### 2026-07-20: Dutch customs officers released on bail amid corruption and cocaine‑import probe

Three Rotterdam‑area customs officers suspected of bribery, data theft and aiding cocaine imports were released on bail as the court found insufficient grounds to keep them detained.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/the-hague-drug-lab-evacuation-displaces-200-residents

### 2026-07-17: Den Haag drug lab evicts 150 residents, four suspects arrested

A large drug lab in The Hague was dismantled after evacuating 150 residents; four men were arrested for producing MDMA and ecstasy.

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/the-hague-evacuates-dozens-of-homes-after-massive-drug-lab-discovered

### 2026-07-12: Spanish police bust 2,500‑kg hash stash; Dutch police seize drugs and firearm

Spanish police seized a 2,500‑kg hash stash, stolen cars and guns in Huelva; Dutch police arrested two women with multiple hard drugs and a firearm in Almere.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spanish-police-bust-2500kg-hash-stash-dutch-police-seize-drugs-and-firearm

### 2026-07-09: Netherlands linked to multiple international drug smuggling busts

Four drug busts involving the Netherlands: a body‑packer jailed in Germany, a 1,600 kg cocaine seizure in Suriname, a court case on 593 kg hidden in a plane from Suriname, and a Dutch facilitator caught in Moed

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cocaine-trafficking-intercepted-on-suriname-river-and-in-dutch-port

### 2026-07-07: Dutch police seize cocaine, hash and chemicals in raids across Venray, Merselo and Deventer

Dutch police arrested three suspects after seizing over two kilograms of cocaine and a kilogram of hash in Merselo, and detained another individual in Deventer following the discovery of large quantities ofsynt

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dutch-police-seize-cocaine-hash-and-chemicals-in-raids-across-venray-merselo-and-deventer

### 2026-07-02: Shadow‑fleet freighter Arconian seized with 30+ tons of cocaine, linked to Dutch mobster Jos Leijdekkers

Spanish police seized the freighter Arconian with over 30 tons of cocaine, tied to Dutch mobster Jos Leijdekkers, showcasing a shift to a West‑African shadow‑fleet drug route into Europe.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arconian-cargo-ship-seized-with-30-tonnes-of-cocaine-linked-to-dutch-mocromafia

### 2026-07-01: Spanish and French authorities bust Barcelona-to-Rennes drug smuggling ring

Spanish police, French gendarmerie and Europol arrested two leaders of a Barcelona‑Rennes drug smuggling ring, seizing kilos of cocaine, hash, marijuana, cash and crypto assets.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spanish-and-french-authorities-bust-barcelona-to-rennes-drug-smuggling-ring

### 2026-07-01: German police seize 90 kg cannabis and cocaine in raids at Montabaur and Karlsruhe

German police arrested three men in a 90 kg cannabis bust near Montabaur and seized 80 g of cocaine while detaining two brothers in Karlsruhe.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-police-seize-90-kg-cannabis-and-cocaine-in-raids-at-montabaur-and-karlsruhe

### 2026-06-29: German police turn back seven Bangladeshi youths at Goldene Bremm border

German police stopped a French‑registered car at Goldene Bremm, denied entry to seven Bangladeshi youths lacking documents and opened smuggling probes against the driver.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bundespolizei-stops-bangladeshi-youths-at-goldene-bremm-border-driver-faces-smuggling-probe

### 2026-06-29: German police arrest alleged Hawala money‑launderer in Hagen

German police arrested a 45‑year‑old Syrian alleged Hawala agent in Hagen, accusing him of handling smuggler payments and money‑laundering; raids seized €13,300 and electronic data.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-police-dismantle-hawala-moneytransfer-network-in-hagen

### 2026-06-26: German police seize cash and watches in raid on Canadian cannabis smuggling ring

German police arrested four suspects in Hannover, seizing €45,000 cash, luxury watches and cannabis imported from Canada.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-police-seize-cash-and-watches-in-raid-on-canadian-cannabis-smuggling-ring

### 2026-06-25: European Police Bust 1.4‑ton Cannabis Shipment Between Spain and France

Police in France and Spain arrested ten suspects, seized 1.45 tonnes of cannabis and €278,000 cash, and disrupted a cross‑border parcel‑based drug network with Europol support.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-police-bust-14ton-cannabis-shipment-between-spain-and-france

### 2026-06-24: Vienna Airport confiscates hundreds of kilos of drugs with help from detection dog Jerry

Austrian police and customs seized nearly 400 kg of cannabis, heroin, cocaine, khat and other drugs at Vienna Airport in 2026, aided by detection dog Jerry, leading to 46 arrests.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/drugdetection-dogs-seize-large-quantities-of-narcotics-at-austrias-schwechat-airport

### 2026-06-23: Dutch authorities arrest two suspects in €20 million money‑laundering case

Dutch police and the FIOD arrested two men on 3 June over a €20 million money‑laundering scheme involving German‑company accounts and false invoices, with assets seized and detention extended.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dutch-authorities-arrest-two-suspects-in-20-million-moneylaundering-case

### 2026-06-22: Witnesses Detain Car Thieves in Vienna’s Favoriten District

In Vienna’s Favoriten district, witnesses stopped three car thieves after a window‑smashing burglary, leading to the arrest of a 14‑year‑old and two women and the recovery of the stolen power strip and hammer.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bundespolizei-arrests-international-drug-suspect-at-a6-goldene-bremm-checkpoint

### 2026-06-22: Nuremberg Police Arrest Two Suspects in Child Sexual Abuse and Drug Case

Nuremberg police detained a 24‑year‑old for child sexual abuse and a 26‑year‑old for supplying drugs to minors, seizing crystal meth, cocaine and €2,000 in cash.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nuremberg-police-arrest-two-suspects-in-child-sexual-abuse-and-drug-case

### 2026-06-22: European Drug Ring Dismantled in Multi‑Country Raid

Police raids in Germany, Spain and Austria seized over 4 tons of cannabis, 27 kg of cocaine and other drugs worth €11 million, arresting 31 suspects.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-drug-ring-dismantled-in-multicountry-raid

### 2026-06-18: Netherlands-linked cocaine shipments intercepted in Europe and Liberia

Dutch prosecutors target a transformer‑smuggling ring that moved 506 kg of cocaine into the Netherlands, while Liberian police seized 237 kg bound for Europe, linked to fugitive Dutch baron Jos Leijdekkers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/netherlands-linked-cocaine-shipments-intercepted-in-europe-and-liberia

### 2026-06-17: Göttingen court hands four‑month sentence to 26‑year‑old drug dealer

In Göttingen, a 26‑year‑old was sentenced to a suspended four‑month term after police filmed him selling cannabis to a 17‑year‑old, using video‑enabled binoculars as key evidence.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gttingen-court-hands-fourmonth-sentence-to-26yearold-drug-dealer

### 2026-06-17: Hamburg police dismantle large‑scale cocaine smuggling network

German police, led by the BKA, arrested three suspects and seized assets in a multi‑state raid exposing a cocaine‑smuggling network that used fruit‑trade firms to ship tons of cocaine via North Sea ports.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-police-dismantle-large-cocainesmuggling-network-linked-to-fruittrade-firms

### 2026-06-16: German police seize drugs at techno festivals and in Schwerin crackdown

German police seized a range of drugs at Offenbach techno events and, after a months‑long operation in Schwerin, arrested multiple suspects, seized over 10 kg of narcotics and reported a calmer neighbourhood.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-police-seize-drugs-at-techno-festivals-and-in-schwerin-crackdown

### 2026-06-15: Berlin pushes stricter gun legislation after weapons incidents

Berlin police seized a blank‑firing weapon after a resident reported gunshots; the city senate is now proposing to raise illegal gun possession to a felony amid rising gang‑related shootings.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/berlin-pushes-stricter-gun-legislation-after-weapons-incidents

### 2026-06-15: Police dismantle illegal poaching network in Galliate, Italy

Carabinieri in Galliate, Italy, busted an illegal poaching ring, seizing traps, weapons, ammunition and protected wildlife items, including ivory and a lion, under ongoing investigation.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/police-dismantle-illegal-poaching-network-in-galliate-italy

### 2026-06-09: Polish authorities seize over a tonne of heroin at Gdynia port in major drug bust

Polish police seized over a tonne of heroin worth €37‑52 million at Gdynia port, arresting three Polish nationals after a UK tip exposed containers from the UAE.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/polish-authorities-seize-over-a-tonne-of-heroin-at-gdynia-port-in-major-drug-bust

### 2026-06-09: German and Dutch police seize 2.5 tonnes of cocaine in coordinated bust

German and Dutch authorities raided 27 sites, seized 2.5 tonnes of cocaine worth €180 million and arrested three suspects in a cross‑border smuggling ring using fake companies.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-and-dutch-police-seize-25-tonnes-of-cocaine-in-coordinated-bust

### 2026-06-08: German police seize weapons, detain illegal migrants at Bavarian border

German police seized illegal weapons from five people at the A6 border and detained a Georgian migrant overstaying his visa, also uncovering forged documents; investigations opened for all offenses.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-police-seize-weapons-detain-illegal-migrants-at-bavarian-border

### 2026-06-07: German police seize 13 kg of drugs in Bremen‑Oldenburg‑Vechta ‘drug‑taxi’ bust

German police raids in Bremen, Oldenburg and Vechta uncovered a specially modified ‘drug‑taxi’, seizing over 13 kg of cocaine and cannabis, two firearms, €40 k cash and arresting two suspects.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-police-seize-13-kg-of-drugs-in-bremenoldenburgvechta-drugtaxi-bust

### 2026-06-05: Police in Bielefeld seize hand grenades and drugs from arrested dealer

Bielefeld police arrested a 29‑year‑old drug dealer, seizing cannabis, cocaine, a gun and two genuine hand grenades from his flat.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/police-in-bielefeld-seize-hand-grenades-and-drugs-from-arrested-dealer

### 2026-06-03: Tripi: Police seize illegal large boar trap in protected oasis

Messina police seized a large illegal boar trap in Tripi’s protected oasis, the third such device removed in the anti‑poaching campaign, and opened an investigation.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-police-crackdown-seizes-illegal-goods-in-catania-and-sicily

### 2026-06-03: German Customs Seize 8 Tonnes of Cocaine Valued at €500 Million

German customs seized 8 tonnes of cocaine worth €500 million in Wilhelmshaven, calling it a major blow to international drug trafficking and prompting new enforcement legislation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-customs-seize-8-tonnes-of-cocaine-valued-at-500-million

### 2026-06-03: Italian police fine businesses in Genoa and Agrigento for illegal activity

Police in Genoa imposed €1,000 fines and anti‑alcohol citations during a June 3 crackdown, while Agrigento police levied €19,000 in fines and seized counterfeit goods in raids on local vendors.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-police-fine-businesses-in-genoa-and-agrigento-for-illegal-activity

### 2026-06-03: Guardia di Finanza seizes 2,500 litres of illegal diesel in Benevento

Guardia di Finanza in Benevento seized 2,537 L of non‑standard diesel and charged the distributor with fraud and tax evasion.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/benevento-fuel-fraud-operation-seizes-2500-liters-of-diesel

### 2026-06-01: German customs seize 500‑tonne cocaine haul in Wilhelmshaven

German customs seized over 8 tonnes of cocaine worth about €500 million in Wilhelmshaven, prompting arrests in Spain and a planned customs‑finance reform.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-customs-and-police-seize-drugs-cash-and-protected-wildlife-in-several-raids

### 2026-05-30: Italian authorities seize over 136,000 litres of illegal fuel in Siena and Rome

Italian Guardia di Finanza confiscated about 136,000 L of illegal diesel and gasoline in Siena and Rome, citing contamination, improper denaturation and tax violations.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-authorities-seize-over-136000-litres-of-illegal-fuel-in-siena-and-rome

### 2026-05-26: Security firm employee arrested for amphetamine trafficking in Kitzingen, Germany

A 34‑year‑old security‑company worker in Kitzingen was arrested after amphetamines were found in his locker, and a subsequent home search uncovered a significant drug stash, prompting a trafficking probe.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/security-firm-employee-arrested-for-amphetamine-trafficking-in-kitzingen-germany

### 2026-05-26: Italian authorities seize 20,000 L of adulterated diesel in Abbiategrasso

Guardia di Finanza seized 20,000 L of illegal, highly flammable diesel mixed with solvents and waste oil in Abbiategrasso, linking it to tax evasion and safety risks.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-authorities-seize-20000-l-of-adulterated-diesel-in-abbiategrasso

### 2026-05-24: Berlin Man Threatens Children with Long Gun, Special Police Unit Storms Apartment

A 35‑year‑old in Berlin‑Hellersdorf threatened children with a long gun; police’s SEK entered his flat, confiscating the gun, knives and thousands of smuggled cigarettes.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/berlin-man-threatens-children-with-long-gun-special-police-unit-storms-apartment

### 2026-05-24: Berlin man threatens children with rifle on balcony, SEK forces intervene

A 35‑year‑old man in Berlin’s Hellersdorf threatened children with a rifle; SEK entered his flat, seized the gun, knives and untaxed cigarettes, and released the suspect after ID checks.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/berlin-man-threatens-children-with-rifle-on-balcony-sek-forces-intervene

### 2026-05-23: Police arrest 29‑year‑old drug dealer in San Giuseppe Vesuviano

Police in San Giuseppe Vesuviano arrested a 29‑year‑old for cocaine trafficking, seizing about 40 g total and cash, while the buyer was fined for personal possession.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/police-arrest-29yearold-drug-dealer-in-san-giuseppe-vesuviano

### 2026-05-22: Italian authorities seize 1,300 tonnes of counterfeit lubricating oil in Bari operation

Italy’s Guardia di Finanza seized over 1,300 tonnes of fake lubricating oil in Bari, exposing a fraud that earned €1 million and resulted in 15 suspects facing charges.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-police-seize-over-1300-tonnes-of-counterfeit-lubricating-oil

### 2026-05-16: German police seize illegal weapons, explosives and drugs in multiple raids

German police seized weapons, explosives and drugs in border checks and a Berlin raid.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-police-seize-illegal-weapons-explosives-and-drugs-in-multiple-raids

### 2026-05-15: Frankfurt customs seize nearly 15 tonnes of narcotics

Frankfurt customs seized nearly 15 t of drugs and other illegal goods, including live animals.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/frankfurt-customs-seize-nearly-15-tonnes-of-narcotics

### 2026-05-14: Italian police seize 38,000 counterfeit luxury items in San Giuseppe Vesuviano

Guardia di Finanza seized 38,000 counterfeit luxury goods in San Giuseppe Vesuviano, arresting a Moroccan suspect.

75 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-police-arrest-three-for-truck-alcohol-theft-amid-sicily-intimidation-attacks

### 2026-05-04: Police uncover 1,400-plant illegal cannabis farm in Solingen, Germany

Police in Solingen, Germany, busted a warehouse growing about 1,400 illegal cannabis plants after spotting abnormal electricity use.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/police-uncover-1400-plant-illegal-cannabis-farm-in-solingen-germany

### 2026-04-20: Police seize counterfeit luxury goods at Offenbach flea market

Offenbach police seize 120 counterfeit items at a flea market; goods valued over €115,000; stall operator under investigation.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/police-seize-counterfeit-luxury-goods-at-offenbach-flea-market

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Cite as: EU drug seizures & crackdown, Project Medusa 2026. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/german-police-intensify-raids-on-illicit-trade