Eurojust-Backed Investigation Leads to Major Crackdown on Drug Trafficking in Norway and Denmark

Eurojust-Backed Investigation Leads to Major Crackdown on Drug Trafficking in Norway and Denmark

(IN BRIEF) A cooperative effort between Norwegian and Danish authorities, supported by Eurojust, has resulted in over 1,000 years of prison sentences for 152 drug traffickers, dismantling a major cross-border criminal network. From 2019 to 2024, Eurojust facilitated a joint investigation team (JIT) that led to the seizure of large quantities of illicit drugs and assets valued at EUR 15.6 million. The operation focused on a criminal group trafficking drugs between Morocco, Spain, Denmark, and Norway, with significant emphasis on judicial collaboration and gender equality in law enforcement. This initiative highlights the essential role of cross-border cooperation and judicial support in tackling organized crime.

(PRESS RELEASE) THE HAGUE, 14-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — A remarkable collaboration between Norwegian and Danish authorities, facilitated by Eurojust, has culminated in the conviction of 152 drug traffickers, resulting in over 1,000 years of combined prison sentences in both countries.

From 2019 to 2024, Eurojust played a pivotal role in supporting a joint investigation team (JIT) focused on dismantling a major criminal network involved in drug trafficking. A recent review of the investigation reveals that 83 individuals in Norway received sentences totaling 414 years, while 69 offenders in Denmark were handed sentences amounting to 623 years. These figures also include the sentences for key perpetrators who are awaiting extradition to both Denmark and Norway.

Eurojust’s involvement in this collaboration has been hailed by the Representative of Denmark at Eurojust, Ms. Kirstine Troldborg, and Norway’s Liaison Prosecutor, Mr. Rudolf Christoffersen. Both emphasized the importance of sustained judicial cooperation across borders, underscoring how essential it is to work together to dismantle large criminal networks. “Eurojust’s support has been critical in achieving these substantial results,” they jointly stated.

Investigations at the national level in both countries revealed that the criminal organization responsible for the trafficking of drugs was a well-organized group operating between Morocco, Spain, Denmark, and Norway. In 2019, to confront this sophisticated operation, Danish and Norwegian authorities established the JIT, with operational and logistical backing from Eurojust.

Over five years, this concerted effort led not only to the impressive prison sentences but also to the seizure of significant quantities of drugs: 9,600 kg of cannabis, 675 kg of cocaine, 355 kg of amphetamine, 77 kg of synthetic drugs, and 41 kg of heroin, spread across both nations. Additionally, authorities confiscated firearms, several properties, a vehicle, a boat, luxury watches, and cash, as well as cryptocurrencies, with a total estimated value of EUR 15.6 million.

The operation was coordinated by the National Special Crime Unit and the Attached Prosecution Service to the National Special Crime Unit in Denmark, and the Norwegian National Criminal Investigation Service in Norway.

While Denmark’s status under Protocol 22 of the Lisbon Treaty means it is not directly subject to EU law in the area of freedom, security, and justice, the country’s collaboration through a Eurojust Representative has proved highly effective. Since the Eurojust Regulation came into force in 2019, Denmark has continued to actively engage in judicial cooperation with EU Member States, further strengthened by its partnership with Eurojust.

*Other countries with Liaison Prosecutors at Eurojust include Albania, Georgia, Iceland, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Media Contact:

Eurojust Press Team
Phone: + 31 70 412 55 00
media@eurojust.europa.eu

SOURCE: EUROJUST