Eurojust-Led Crackdown: Over 1,000 Years of Prison Sentences for Drug Traffickers in Denmark and Norway

In a landmark operation that underscores the power of international judicial cooperation, authorities in Denmark and Norway, with the support of Eurojust, have dismantled a major drug trafficking network operating across Europe and North Africa. The operation, conducted between 2019 and 2024, has resulted in the conviction of 152 individuals and over 1,000 years of combined prison sentences.

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A Five-Year Pursuit of Justice

The criminal network trafficked large quantities of drugs—including cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine, synthetic drugs, and heroin—from Morocco to Spain and onward to Denmark and Norway. To combat this sophisticated operation, Danish and Norwegian authorities established a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) in 2019 with Eurojust providing financial, logistical, and operational support.

The results are staggering:

• 414 years of prison sentences for 83 individuals in Norway.
• 623 years of prison sentences for 69 individuals in Denmark.
• Seizures included 9,600 kg of cannabis, 675 kg of cocaine, 355 kg of amphetamine, 77 kg of synthetic drugs, and 41 kg of heroin.
• Confiscated assets worth EUR 15.6 million, including firearms, properties, vehicles, luxury goods, cash, and cryptocurrencies.

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The Role of Eurojust

Eurojust’s involvement was pivotal in coordinating efforts across borders. Kirstine Troldborg, Denmark’s Representative at Eurojust, and Rudolf Christoffersen, Norway’s Liaison Prosecutor at Eurojust, emphasized the importance of sustained judicial collaboration.

“This really shows the importance of long-term judicial cooperation across borders between national authorities. Only by closely working together via Eurojust can we tackle major criminal networks and get justice done,” they stated.

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A Broader Context: Drug Policies in Scandinavia

Denmark and Norway have historically taken different approaches to drug policy. While Denmark has been known for its more liberal stance on cannabis sales—particularly in areas like Christiania—recent years have seen a shift toward stricter enforcement[2][4]. Norway, on the other hand, has debated decriminalization but remains largely restrictive[6]. This operation highlights how both nations are increasingly aligning their efforts to combat organized crime.

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Key Takeaways from the Operation

1. Judicial Cooperation Works
   The success of this operation demonstrates the effectiveness of cross-border partnerships facilitated by Eurojust. Despite legal complexities—such as Denmark’s unique status under Protocol 22 of the Lisbon Treaty—both nations showcased how collaboration can overcome jurisdictional barriers.
2. Targeting Organized Crime at Its Core
   By dismantling the financial backbone of the criminal network through asset seizures worth EUR 15.6 million, authorities struck a significant blow to the group’s operations.
3. A Deterrent for Future Criminal Networks
   The lengthy prison sentences send a strong message to organized crime groups operating in Europe: coordinated international efforts can—and will—disrupt even the most sophisticated networks.

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Complementary Measures to Strengthen Impact

To maximize the impact of this operation:

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Highlighting the success story could deter future criminal activity and build public trust in law enforcement.
• Policy Alignment: Continued discussions on harmonizing drug policies across Nordic countries could strengthen regional efforts.
• Further Research: Investigating how such networks adapt post-crackdown could inform future strategies.

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This operation is a testament to what is possible when nations work together with shared resolve. As drug trafficking networks grow increasingly complex and globalized, collaborative efforts like these will remain essential in safeguarding communities across Europe.

Sources:
Cooperation via Eurojust leads to over thousand years of
Cannabis sales and immigrant youth gangs in Denmark
Eurojust-Backed Investigation Leads to Major Crackdown on Drug
Newsroom | Eurojust | European Union Agency for Criminal Justice
Estimating illicit financial flows resulting from drug trafficking

More on illicit trade at vernetztesicherheit.de can be found here.