Organized crime network linked to the Sinaloa Cartel dismantled: Operated with cryptocurrencies and Chinese chemicals in France, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.
In an international operation, European authorities, led by France and backed by Europol, dismantled a sophisticated criminal network dedicated to the production and distribution of synthetic drugs, with direct links to the Sinaloa Cartel and other criminal gangs in Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.
The operation, which culminated in the arrest of 16 individuals between May 19 and 22, 2025, exposed the growing influence of Mexican cartels in the European drug market— a phenomenon that highlights the global security challenges in the fight against drug trafficking.
According to Eje Central, the network had a sophisticated operation:
Main Leaders: An Algerian citizen and a French national coordinated the entire criminal chain.
Operational Procedure:
- Imported chemical precursors from China
- Operated clandestine labs in European territory
- Used cryptocurrencies for money laundering
- Had logistical support from the Sinaloa Cartel
During the raids, authorities seized:
- 3 luxury vehicles
- Assets valued at €100,000
- €80,000 in bank accounts
- €10,000 in cash
- €30,000 in cryptocurrencies (frozen)
A strategic blow to organized crime.
On May 28, Europol announced the results of this operation, which began after the seizure of 216 kilograms of crystal meth in June 2024, along with the arrest of two French citizens.
This initial action allowed authorities to unravel a transnational network that not only operated within the European Union but also distributed drugs globally.
Among those arrested are 13 French nationals, one Belgian, one Serbian, and one individual with dual Mexican-American nationality, reflecting the diversity of actors involved in this criminal network.
The investigation revealed that the primary leaders of the organization were an Algerian and a French citizen, responsible for the entire production chain: from the illegal importation of chemical precursors from China to the setup of clandestine labs, meth manufacturing, and distribution.
This highly professionalized scheme used cryptocurrencies to facilitate financial transactions, making it difficult for authorities to trace the money flow.
The Sinaloa Cartel’s Expansion in Europe.
The connection to the Sinaloa Cartel, one of the most powerful criminal groups in Mexico, was clear. Previous reports from Europol and the DEA, dating back to 2013, have warned about the increasing presence of Mexican cartels in Europe, particularly in the trafficking of cocaine and methamphetamines.
In 2022, a joint report by both agencies highlighted that the Sinaloa Cartel, along with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), had established alliances with local networks in countries such as Spain, Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands to expand their operations. These alliances have allowed Mexican cartels to diversify their activities, moving from mere distributors to coordinating synthetic drug production on European soil.
During the operation, authorities inspected a former meth lab, where they found abandoned containers, chemical residues, and evidence of illegal dumping— suggesting a deliberate effort to hide the extent of their illicit activities.
Europol noted that the production of synthetic drugs in Europe is «rapidly increasing,» expanding beyond regions traditionally associated with these activities— such as the Netherlands and Belgium— into other EU member states and international markets.
The dismantled network stands out not only for its transnational reach but also for its sophistication and violence. These organizations are known for their high operational capacity, use of institutional corruption, and infiltration into legitimate businesses to mask their activities.
During the operations carried out between May 19 and 22, authorities seized three vehicles, luxury assets valued at €100,000, €80,000 in bank accounts, €10,000 in cash, and €30,000 in cryptocurrencies, underscoring the economic magnitude of the network.
The use of cryptocurrencies, in particular, highlights how organized crime has embraced modern technologies to evade detection. This method allows for fast and anonymous transactions, complicating efforts by authorities to track the money flow. Moreover, the reliance on chemical precursors from China underscores the complexity of the global supply chains that sustain drug trafficking.
Mexico: A Complicit Silence in the War on Drugs.
While Europe intensifies its fight against drug trafficking, the response from the Mexican government remains a point of criticism. The current administration, led by Claudia Sheinbaum, has maintained an ambiguous stance in the fight against cartels, following the «hugs, not bullets» approach promoted by her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
This strategy, which prioritizes social containment over direct confrontation, has been consistently criticized as insufficient to stop the expansion of groups like the Sinaloa Cartel, whose influence now crosses borders and threatens global security.
The operation led by France is a significant step, but experts warn that drug trafficking is a “nine-headed monster”— every dismantled network is quickly replaced by new structures, driven by the high profitability of the drug market.
International cooperation, as seen in this operation, is crucial to address this challenge. However, the lack of effective collaboration from Mexico, where cartels operate with relative freedom, remains a major obstacle.
Institutional corruption and the porous nature of Mexican borders allow cartels to maintain their dominance, while the official rhetoric of «non-confrontation» only worsens the problem.
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