Australia, US, Spain, Columbia snuff out major cocaine ring

CANBERRA: The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has helped counterparts in the US, Spain and Colombia bust a major international drug ring with the arrest of a Spaniard alleged to be the mastermind, according to Xinhua news agency.

‘Operation Ambassador’ also saw the seizure of 790kg of cocaine, among others.

Authorities from the AFP, Colombian police, Spanish Civil Guard and US Border Protection and Customs on Friday, confirmed that 30 members of the ring, which specialised in cocaine trafficking on commercial flights, had been arrested. Of the 30 arrests, six were in Australia, Colombia (11), US (three) and Spain (10), reported Xinhia news agency.

The alleged ringleader, identified as Spaniard, Jorge Juan Merlo, was nabbed in Colombia.

In addition to the arrests, authorities involved in ‘Operation Ambassador’ seized 790kg of cocaine, US$200,000, a firearm, 21 mobile phones and 10 vehicles.

Initial investigations revealed the cocaine was sent, via commercial flights, to the US, Spain and Australia in suitcases.

Payment for the drugs was then made by the recipient through currency exchanges.

Merlo will face trafficking charges in the US, Australia, Spain and Italy after authorities alleged he regularly travelled to the four nations to connect directly with criminals.

Trafficking a commercial quantity of controlled drugs, which for cocaine is defined as 250gm or more, carries a maximum penalty in Australia of life imprisonment.

The AFP has highlighted international law enforcement and cooperation with international agencies as a ‘key area of emphasis’, with a particular focus on fighting ‘transnational organised crime and corruption’. — Bernama