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Spain seizes 1.5 tonnes of cocaine, a Croatian citizen among those arrested
Slovenia🏛️ PoliticsLean Progressive8/23/2026

Spain seizes 1.5 tonnes of cocaine, a Croatian citizen among those arrested

Spanish police seized 1.5 tons of cocaine in the coastal town of A Pobra do Caraminal in Galicia, near the Atlantic coast, and arrested three individuals, including a citizen of Croatia. The drugs were discovered in a facility near the sea and are believed to have been stored temporarily. The coastline of the autonomous region of Galicia is considered a significant entry point for cocaine shipments from South America into Spain. In recent years, investigators have traced connections between local criminal groups in Galicia and individuals from former Yugoslav countries, including Montenegro, Serbia, and Croatia. Earlier this year, Spanish police intercepted between 30 and 40 tons of cocaine on a ship in international waters near the Canary Islands, setting a record for the country. Authorities are now investigating whether any of the criminal organizations from this part of Europe were involved in this latest seizure. The arrested Croat is reportedly being linked to the role of 'notary,' responsible for overseeing smuggling operations and protecting the interests of one of the involved criminal groups.

Portugalian authorities have arrested a former Serbian football player, Uroš Miloševič, who was found with over a ton and a half of cocaine valued at approximately €70 million and weapons during a police operation on Wednesday. The arrest took place on a highway in Portugal and is part of a broader investigation targeting the Balkan cartel, which operates in Spain and Portugal. According to reports, this operation follows similar actions taken in Spain last week, where two individuals linked to the same criminal organization were arrested, and nearly 3.7 tons of drugs were seized. The Balkan cartel is believed to have an extensive network across Europe, with its base reportedly located in southern Spain. Portugal's coast is considered one of the main entry points for cocaine destined for European markets. The arrest of Miloševič highlights how the cartel uses former athletes in their operations. His role within the group is currently under investigation. In addition to the arrest in Portugal, Spanish police conducted another major operation in the coastal town of A Pobra do Caraminal in Galicia, where they seized 1.5 tons of cocaine and arrested three individuals, including a Croatian citizen. The drugs were discovered in a building near the sea, where they were temporarily stored. Authorities suspect that the drugs were intended for distribution through Galicia’s coastline, a key entry point for cocaine shipments arriving from South America via the Atlantic Ocean. Spanish police have been investigating links between local criminal organizations in Galicia and individuals from countries formerly part of Yugoslavia, including Serbia, Montenegro, and Croatia. In May of this year, Spanish police intercepted between 30 and 40 tons of cocaine aboard a ship in international waters near the Canary Islands and arrested around 20 people. This recent seizure in Galicia adds to the growing concern about the involvement of organized crime groups from the Balkans in drug trafficking networks operating in Spain and Portugal. The Croatian man arrested in Galicia has been identified by investigators as playing the role of a “notary,” responsible for overseeing the smuggling operation and protecting the interests of one of the involved criminal groups. His duties included monitoring the transfer and quantity of drugs and ensuring that agreed terms were met according to the contract. This indicates a structured approach to drug trafficking, involving both local and foreign actors. Authorities continue to investigate whether any of the known criminal organizations from the former Yugoslavia are involved in these operations. The connection between the arrests in Portugal and Spain suggests a coordinated effort by the Balkan cartel to expand its reach into Western Europe through established smuggling routes. With multiple high-profile seizures and arrests, law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts to dismantle these transnational networks. The arrest of Miloševič underscores the growing trend of former athletes being recruited into criminal activities, particularly in the context of drug trafficking. His case is still under scrutiny, and further details regarding his involvement with the Balkan cartel will likely emerge as investigations progress. Meanwhile, the ongoing operations in Spain highlight the persistent challenge posed by organized crime in the region, particularly in areas with direct access to international drug trafficking routes.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 6 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

6 reports

Žurnal24 logoŽurnal24IndependentCenterFactual 98Objective 958/21/2026
Former Serbian footballer caught with a ton and a half of cocaine

A former Serbian footballer, Uroš Miloševič, was arrested in Portugal after police discovered over a ton and a half of cocaine worth approximately €70 million and weapons in his vehicle. The arrest is part of a larger operation targeting the Balkan cartel, which operates in Spain and Portugal. Over the past week, two members of this criminal group were already arrested in Spain, where authorities seized 3.7 tons of various drugs during a joint operation by Portuguese and Spanish police. The Balkan cartel is believed to have a widespread network across Europe, with its base reportedly located in southern Spain. Portugal’s coast is considered a major entry point for cocaine destined for European markets. The arrest highlights that the cartel uses former athletes in its operations, and Miloševič’s role within the group is currently under investigation.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a criminal arrest involving a former athlete and a drug trafficking operation. While it mentions a 'Balkan cartel' and references law enforcement actions, there is no explicit political commentary, ideological framing, or partisan emphasis. The focus is on the criminal case, a

Why factuality (98): This article accurately reports the arrest of Uroš Milošević, including the quantity of cocaine (1.5 tons), its value (€70 million), and the presence of weapons. It also confirms the involvement of a Balkan cartel operating in both Spain and Portugal, referencing the previous arrests and the joint p

Why objectivity (95): The article maintains a highly neutral tone, presenting the facts without editorializing or bias. It includes relevant contextual information about the Balkan cartel and Portugal’s role in drug trafficking but avoids taking sides or expressing judgment. The language is professional and balanced.

Delo logoDeloIndependent🔒CenterFactual 95Objective 908/21/2026
Former Serbian footballer caught with €70 million worth of cocaine

A 19-year-old Serbian former footballer, Uroš Milošević, was arrested on Wednesday on the Portuguese motorway after police discovered approximately 70 million euros worth of cocaine hidden in his vehicle, along with weapons. The arrest was part of an extensive operation against a Balkan drug cartel operating on the Iberian Peninsula. In Spain, two individuals linked to the same criminal group were already arrested last week, and Portuguese and Spanish authorities seized 3.7 tons of various drugs during the operation. Milošević previously played for Serbian clubs Čukarički, Rakovica, Teleoptik, and Sinđelić.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report on a law enforcement action involving a former athlete and a cross-border drug trafficking operation. It does not take a clear ideological stance, nor does it emphasize any particular political agenda. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the legal and law-p

Why factuality (95): The article provides specific details such as the name of the individual (Uroš Milošević), his age (24 years old), the location of arrest (Portugal), the amount of cocaine found (1.5 tons worth €70 million), and mentions weapons. It also references the operation targeting a Balkan cartel operating i

Why objectivity (90): The article presents the facts in a neutral manner, avoiding overtly emotional or biased language. While it does mention the individual’s past as a footballer, this is presented as background rather than an opinion. The tone remains objective throughout, focusing on the facts of the arrest and the b

N1 Slovenija logoN1 SlovenijaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 858/23/2026
1.5 tonnes of cocaine seized in Spain, a Croat among the three arrested

Spanish police seized 1.5 tons of cocaine in the coastal town of A Pobra do Caraminal in Galicia, Spain, and arrested three individuals, including a citizen of Croatia. The drugs were discovered in a facility near the sea and are believed to have been stored temporarily. The coast of Galicia is considered a significant entry point for cocaine shipments from South America into Spain. In recent years, investigators have traced connections between local criminal groups in Galicia and individuals from former Yugoslav countries, including Montenegro, Serbia, and Croatia. The arrested Croat is reportedly being linked to the role of 'notary,' responsible for overseeing smuggling operations and protecting the interests of one of the involved criminal groups. Earlier this year, Spanish police seized between 30 and 40 tons of cocaine aboard a ship in international waters near the Canary Islands, setting a record for the country.

Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of a drug seizure and arrests without overtly favoring any political perspective. It includes contextual information about the region's role in drug trafficking but does not exhibit clear bias in framing or sourcing.

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the 1.5-ton cocaine seizure, the arrest of a Croatian national, and the investigation into connections with criminal groups from former Yugoslavia. It includes specific details such as the location, the temporary storage near the sea, and the role of the 'notary' figur

Why objectivity (85): The tone remains neutral and informative, providing factual updates without taking sides. It explains the role of the 'notary' and the ongoing investigation without implying guilt or innocence, maintaining balance.

RTV Slovenija (MMC) logoRTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicProgressiveFactual 80Objective 858/23/2026
Spanish police seized 1.5 tonnes of cocaine in Galicia, including a Croatian citizen

Spanish police seized 1.5 tons of cocaine in the coastal town of A Pobra do Caraminal in Galicia, near the Atlantic Ocean, and arrested three individuals, including a citizen of Croatia. The drugs were reportedly stored temporarily in a location near the sea. Authorities suspect possible involvement of criminal organizations linked to former Yugoslavia, including Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro. The arrested Croatian man is believed to have acted as a 'notary' overseeing the smuggling operation and protecting the interests of one of the involved criminal groups. Earlier this year, Spanish police intercepted between 30 and 40 tons of cocaine near the Canary Islands, setting a national record.

Bias read (Progressive): The article focuses on law enforcement actions against organized crime, which is inherently a political issue involving international cooperation and criminal networks. While the report is factual, it emphasizes the potential involvement of criminal organizations from former Yugoslav states, which,

Why factuality (80): This article confirms the same details as the first, including the 1.5-ton cocaine seizure, the Croatian national arrested, and the investigation into possible links to criminal groups from former Yugoslavia. It cites the same sources (La Voz de Galicia via Hina) and provides similar contextual info

Why objectivity (85): The article presents information objectively, focusing on the facts without expressing personal opinion. It uses neutral language and avoids sensationalism, keeping the focus on the police operation and ongoing investigations.

Maribor24 logoMaribor24IndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 808/23/2026
Near the sea, the police seized as much as 1.5 tons of cocaine, among those arrested was a Croat

Spanish police seized approximately 1.5 tons of cocaine near the coast of Galicia, Spain, during an operation that included the arrest of three individuals, one of whom is a citizen of Croatia. The drugs were found in a building on a property close to the sea, and authorities are still investigating which vessel brought the cocaine to shore. Galicia’s coastline is noted as a significant entry point for cocaine entering Spain via the Atlantic Ocean from South America. Investigators have observed an increase in cooperation between local criminal groups and individuals from former Yugoslav countries, including Black Mountain, Serbia, and Croatia. In this case, they are examining whether any of these groups were involved. One of the arrested individuals, identified as a Croat, was acting as a 'notary' sent by a criminal group involved in facilitating operations to protect their interests.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report on a drug seizure operation involving international elements, focusing on the involvement of Croatian nationals and regional criminal networks. It does not take a clear ideological stance but reports on the collaboration between different nationalities and the执法

Why factuality (80): This article confirms the same core facts as others: the 1.5-ton cocaine seizure, the arrest of a Croatian national, and the investigation into possible links to criminal groups from former Yugoslavia. It adds some minor details like the inspection of boats during the operation, which aligns with th

Why objectivity (80): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting the facts without editorializing. It refers to the ongoing investigation and the role of the 'notary' without taking a stance, keeping the narrative objective.

Večer logoVečerIndependent🔒ProgressiveFactual 75Objective 808/23/2026
Spain seizes 1.5 tonnes of cocaine, a Croatian citizen among those arrested

Spanish police seized 1.5 tons of cocaine in the coastal town of A Pobra do Caraminal in Galicia, near the Atlantic coast, and arrested three individuals, including a citizen of Croatia. The drugs were discovered in a facility near the sea and are believed to have been stored temporarily. The coastline of the autonomous region of Galicia is considered a significant entry point for cocaine shipments from South America into Spain. In recent years, investigators have traced connections between local criminal groups in Galicia and individuals from former Yugoslav countries, including Montenegro, Serbia, and Croatia. Earlier this year, Spanish police intercepted between 30 and 40 tons of cocaine on a ship in international waters near the Canary Islands, setting a record for the country. Authorities are now investigating whether any of the criminal organizations from this part of Europe were involved in this latest seizure. The arrested Croat is reportedly being linked to the role of 'notary,' responsible for overseeing smuggling operations and protecting the interests of one of the involved criminal groups.

Bias read (Progressive): The article focuses on drug trafficking and law enforcement actions, which are inherently political topics involving crime, border control, and international cooperation. While the article presents factual information about the seizure and arrests, it emphasizes the involvement of European criminal

Why factuality (75): The article reports the seizure of 1.5 tons of cocaine and the arrest of three individuals including a Croatian citizen, as reported by La Voz de Galicia via Hina. It mentions the location, the suspected temporary storage near the sea, and the significance of the Galician coast as an entry point for

Why objectivity (80): The tone remains neutral, presenting facts without overt bias. It discusses potential involvement of criminal groups from former Yugoslavia but frames this as investigative efforts rather than definitive conclusions. Language is factual and avoids emotionally charged terms.

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