The heads of these dangerous groups are based in Latin America, and the contraband reaches Europe across the Atlantic. It is not known exactly how much cocaine the Old Continent receives annually. What is certain, however, is that there is more and more of it every year.
Due to high production in Latin America and growing demand on the Old Continent, gangs are quickly adapting their routes and techniques. According to a report, criminal networks are flooding Europe with more and more cocaine – and not just by ships and motorboats.
The special type of boat used by criminals is located just below the water surface and is therefore almost invisible. Unlike submarines, they cannot submerge completely underwater. However, semi-submarines provide greater protection for criminals.
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However, perpetrators also transport drugs in small, high-speed boats, planning secret deliveries on the open sea. Often, cocaine is transferred from mother ships off the coast of West Africa to smaller boats and from there it is transported on to Europe or the Canary Islands.
The head of Europol, Catherine De Bolle, is sounding the alarm.
The evolving tactics of criminal networks that transport cocaine to Europe across the ocean pose a significant challenge to law enforcement. We know that these groups are increasingly diversifying their methods, using smaller ships, maritime transport and clever disguise techniques to avoid detection
– says
The operation shows the professional approach of the dealers
The large operation “Sombra Negra” shows how professionally drug networks operate. Under the leadership of the Spanish authorities, in June 2025, a total of 101 suspects were detained and over 10 tons of cocaine were seized.
During the operation, investigators discovered the criminals' state-of-the-art maritime infrastructure. Fast boats that can reach speeds of over 70 km/h and encrypted communication systems were intended to confuse the police. Unfortunately for criminals: investigators are also getting better.
A powerful drug cartel, the Albanian mafia and a mysterious Krakow company
This case may resemble the script of a thriller movie. It features an Albanian multi-millionaire and his family, a powerful drug cartel from Mexico, casinos in several countries and accusations of large-scale money laundering. There is also a Polish thread in all this: a company producing video games in an office building almost in the heart of Krakow. The former partners were shocked, and the employees are now afraid for their own safety.
The trail leading to our country begins in the United States.
Donald Trump announced after returning to the White House a merciless war against the drug trade. Over the past year, he has not hesitated to impose painful tariffs on Mexico, bomb the boat in the Caribbean Sea and even threaten the southern neighbor military intervention if it does not put an end to the activities of criminal cartels.
In mid-September, American Deputy Secretary of the Treasury John K. Hurley landed in Mexico City. The purpose of his visit was to establish a common strategy to combat drug smugglers with the Mexican government. First of all – by hitting their financial base.
Two months later, on November 13, 2025, the US Department of the Treasury announced that it was joining Mexico in the fight against the “Hysy Organized Crime Group”. “Our message to those who support the cartels is clear: you will be held accountable,” said Deputy Secretary Hurley.
The Americans imposed sanctions on 27 entities. Opens the list Luftar Hysa. He is a multimillionaire from Albania who has been running casinos and luxury restaurants in Mexico and Canada for many years. The Americans also imposed sanctions on three of his brothers: Arben, Ramiz and Fatos, and on his son Fabjon.
The Hysa family, according to a Treasury Department statement, “used various Mexican businesses, including gambling enterprises and restaurants, to launder drug proceeds.” It was supposed to function “with consent Sinaloa Cartelcontrolling a large part of the territory in which the group carries out its activities.
The Hyses also allegedly transported large amounts of cash from Mexico to the United States. And also use a “European-based entity” to launder money belonging to drug smugglers.
In addition to five family members, sanctions were imposed on companies related to them. 15 of them are registered in Mexico. Another two in Canada. The last company on the list comes from Poland – Rosetta Gaming sp. z o. o. based in Krakow
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
