THE HAGUE, 03 April. - (ANA) - The first ever joint investigation team (JIT) between French and Brazilian authorities, supported and funded by Eurojust, has dealt a significant blow to an international drug trafficking network. Following the discovery of 124 kg of cocaine on a cargo ship arriving at a port in France from Brazil, authorities from both countries worked together through a JIT to arrest key members of the network.

 

 

Cooperation through the Eurojust-funded JIT led to the identification of the international criminal network behind the shipment of cocaine. The JIT framework enabled the authorities to exchange information and evidence in real time and carry out joint operations. 

 

On 10 March, the authorities took action against the criminal network operating in the port of Santos in Brazil. Two suspects were arrested and eight searches were carried out in Santos and Valinhos, resulting in the seizure of vehicles, weapons and watches. One of the suspects has been heard as a witness. Eurojust also supported earlier actions targeting the network’s members in Portugal. During these actions, three suspected importers were arrested. They have since then been surrendered to France.

 

The drugs seized at the port of La Pallice in La Rochelle, France, are suspected to be linked to other shipments of narcotics from Brazil to Europe via international shipping routes. The suspected members of the group were responsible for the logistics of the shipments, ranging from the loading of narcotics onto ships to laundering the illicit profits from their trafficking operation. 

 

As criminal networks continue to operate on a global scale, cooperation among authorities worldwide is essential. Eurojust is scaling up its cooperation with judicial authorities outside the European Union. The Agency’s unique position in connecting judicial authorities has proven to be effective in ensuring that legal requests are handled swiftly, enabling authorities to collaborate in a trusted environment. 

 

The actions were carried out by the following authorities:

 

- France: JIRS Rennes (Specialised Interregional Jurisdiction); OFAST Bordeaux (National Office Against Drug Trafficking); DCOS - National Police; Anti Organised Crime - La Rochelle

 

- Portugal: Public Prosecution Service of West Lisbon – Amadora Section; Lisbon Court of Appeal

 

- Brazil: Federal Prosecution Service; Federal Police.   - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/03 April 2026 - - -