"Commercial Drug Lab" Discovered During Drug Raids in Cologne

Police in Cologne, Germany, arrested four suspected drug dealers as part of an investigation into a large-scale darkweb drug trafficking operation.

Since April 2018, the suspects allegedly distributed 279 kilograms of amphetamines, 11,000 ecstasy tablets, and 1.3 kilograms of MDMA through various platforms on the darkweb. Through “other distribution channels,” the group allegedly distributed 103 kilograms of marijuana, 35 liters of amphetamine oil, 2,000 ecstasy tablets, 1,000 grams of amphetamine, and 29 kilograms of hashish.

At least 60 police officers from Cologne as well as forces from the Special Operations Command (SEK), public prosecutors, and tax investigators participated in the raids in Cologne and Kerpen on Tuesday morning. The Cologne District Court issued four arrest warrants which resulted in raids at ten locations in the Rhein-Erft district. All properties had connections to the suspects, police said.

During the searches, the police discovered a “commercial drug laboratory.” The suspects allegedly used the laboratory to press ecstasy pills which they later sold through various darkweb marketplaces. The police also seized an unspecified amount of illegal substances, a firearm, and an unspecified amount of cash.

The police brought five dogs trained to detect narcotics and two dogs trained to detect electronic storage devices. One suspect was “slightly injured” during the raids, police said in a statement.

It appears as if at least two suspects managed to avoid arrest today. The investigation is ongoing.