Europol: AL gangs are taking root in Europe

Mexican authorities have seized approximately 1.2 tons of cocaine in the port city of Lázaro Cárdenas, a significant operation highlighting the ongoing challenges related to drug trafficking in the country. According to reports, the drugs were found aboard a vessel that had arrived at the port, indicating that the shipment was likely intended for export or further distribution within Mexico or beyond its borders. This seizure underscores the role of Lázaro Cárdenas as a critical node in regional drug trafficking networks.

The operation was carried out by the Secretaría de Marina (Semar), which confirmed that more than one ton of cocaine was secured during the inspection of the ship. While specific details about the origin of the drugs remain unclear, such large-scale seizures often point to transnational smuggling routes that involve multiple countries. These operations typically rely on complex logistical arrangements to move narcotics across borders undetected. The location of the seizure also suggests that maritime routes play a crucial role in the transportation of illicit substances into and through Mexico.

In addition to the local developments, broader trends in organized crime have been highlighted by Europol, the European Union’s law enforcement agency. In a recent analysis, Europol warned that criminal organizations originating from Latin America are increasingly establishing roots in European markets. At least 22 such groups, primarily composed of individuals from Latin American countries, are reportedly operating within the EU. These groups focus heavily on the trafficking of cocaine to Europe, alongside other crimes such as human trafficking for sexual and labor exploitation, and property-related offenses.

Europol's report emphasized that these criminal networks operate flexibly, moving between countries within the Schengen area to avoid detection. They do not maintain rigid hierarchical structures but instead function as adaptable networks capable of executing planned attacks. Many members enter the EU legally for limited periods before engaging in illegal activities. Some of the most notable groups mentioned include the Clan del Golfo from Colombia and the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) from Brazil, both of which have established connections with European criminal networks. Additionally, there is evidence of collaboration between Ecuador-based group Los Lobos and Albanian criminal organizations.

Human trafficking has emerged as another major concern linked to these networks. Victims, predominantly from Latin America, are often recruited through social media platforms where job opportunities are advertised. While some victims are aware they will engage in sexual work upon arrival in Europe, others are misled about the nature of their employment, believing they will work legally but later finding themselves exploited. The report notes that physical violence varies depending on the victim's country of origin, combining psychological manipulation with physical abuse in many cases.

Europol’s latest publication, titled The blueprint of criminal opportunism, outlines the operational strategies of the main criminal networks active in the EU. It states that while 76 percent of the 821 identified criminal networks in 2024 are no longer considered among the most dangerous due to police interventions over recent years, 533 new networks have since emerged. As a result, there are currently 731 active criminal groups operating within the EU. Of these, 149—approximately one in five—are connected to Latin America, making it one of the regions most closely tied to organized crime in the EU.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, Mexican authorities have detected signs of cocaine trafficking activity originating from Campeche. This indicates that multiple regions within Mexico serve as points of origin or transit for drug shipments, complicating efforts to combat the flow of narcotics. Such findings reinforce the need for continued cooperation between national and international agencies to address the multifaceted challenge posed by transnational organized crime.