A major international drug trafficking network with operations across Europe, Asia, and Australia has been dismantled in a coordinated operation led by Swedish police and Europol. According to reports from SVT Nyheter, the operation, codenamed "Candy" by Europol, resulted in the arrest of 13 Swedish nationals, with three additional Swedes detained in Thailand.
The investigation began when police seized two mobile phones in a Swedish city, revealing what authorities describe as a complex international drug operation suspected of handling millions in transactions. Mats Berggren, acting deputy chief of Noa (the Swedish police's national operations department), stated that the network had been operating covertly for an extended period.
the network had been operating covertly for an extended period
In addition to large-scale drug trafficking, the criminal network is suspected of involvement in extensive money laundering activities. Berggren noted that the criminality was concealed behind a complex web of companies. Europol held a press conference at 10:00 on Friday to announce details of the operation, which involved cooperation between Swedish authorities and the European law enforcement agency.
The arrested individuals are reportedly connected to multiple criminal networks, according to official statements from the ongoing investigation.
the criminality was concealed behind a complex web of companies