Authorities raid suspected international cocaine and money laundering network

Swiss and foreign authorities have raided a suspected international cocaine-smuggling and money-laundering network, detaining dozens of people in coordinated operations across 12 Swiss cantons and seven other countries, SRF reported.

Police searched 84 locations in Switzerland and abroad between Tuesday and Wednesday. In Switzerland, 41 people were temporarily detained, and authorities sought pretrial detention for five of them. Three other suspects are in extradition custody abroad.

Investigators seized more than 2.3 million francs in cash, cryptocurrency worth 50,000 francs and 15 weapons. The operations involved police from the 12 cantons and partner authorities in Germany, Czechia, the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Greece and Poland, as well as Eurojust and Europol.

The investigation began in 2022 and concerns activities dating back at least to early 2019. It grew out of criminal proceedings opened by the Swiss Federal Prosecutor’s Office in 2023, working with Thurgau cantonal police.

Authorities suspect criminal groups shipped large quantities of cocaine from Latin America to Europe in containers, concealing the drugs in legitimate cargo. Newly established trading companies in Switzerland and the Netherlands allegedly served as recipient addresses. Investigators believe the operation involved several tonnes of cocaine. In August 2026, authorities intercepted a shipment containing more than 750 kilograms in Antwerp.

Investigators also suspect money laundering through various companies. The case includes reports from Switzerland’s money laundering reporting office. Authorities have not released further details about the raids or suspects while proceedings continue. The presumption of innocence applies to all those accused.