European Authorities Dismantle Major Drug Network Linked to The Sinaloa Cartel

Europol has dismantled a criminal cell known for producing and distributing synthetic drugs across Europe and allegedly tied to the Sinaloa Cartel.

Authorities arrested at least 16 people during the operation, including 13 French nationals, one Belgian, one Serbian, and one person with dual Mexican-American citizenship.

The operation followed months of investigation, which began after a June 2024 drug bust in which French authorities seized 216 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and arrested two suspects.

Further investigations revealed the group's ties to a larger criminal network involved in producing and trafficking synthetic drugs. The network is believed to have strong links to the Sinaloa Cartel and connections to other criminal organizations in Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.

According to a statement by Europol, the two ringleaders "relied heavily on the logistical support, expertise and preparation" of the Sinaloa Cartel to carry out their operation. In return, the cartel used local intermediaries "to anchor their operations and expand their influence" in Europe.

Investigators said the chemicals used to produce the synthetic drugs were purchased from Chinese suppliers. They identified an Algerian and a French national as the masterminds behind the smuggling of chemical precursors, the establishment of drug labs, and the manufacturing of the drugs. Europol said the suspects used cryptocurrency to facilitate transactions.

During the operation, authorities searched 16 properties linked to the group and confiscated three vehicles, luxury goods worth more than 100,000 euros, nearly 80,000 euros in bank accounts, and froze about 30,000 euros in cryptocurrency.

Europol said synthetic drug production and trafficking have been on the rise across Europe in recent months. According to the most recent EU Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment, synthetic drug production now spans the entire European Union.

A 2022 joint Europol-DEA report also warned of increasing cooperation between Mexican drug cartels and European criminal networks. According to Europol, these partnerships have supported methamphetamine and cocaine production and trafficking across the continent. The cartels provide technical expertise—such as skilled meth "cooks"—and assistance in setting up cocaine labs.