In a coordinated operation, national police teams and Europol collaborated to apprehend a suspect in Mijas, Málaga. The individual, a Lithuanian citizen, faced a valid European Arrest Warrant and is linked to drug trafficking offenses. The joint action underscores the ongoing commitment of European law enforcement to pursue cross-border criminal activity and ensure accountability across borders, as reported in the coordinating agencies’ statements.
The operation was triggered after the Lithuanian Prosecutor General’s Office issued a European Investigation Order. During the subsequent lawful entry and search of the fugitive’s residence, authorities recovered a range of materials connected to the investigation, including two advanced tools, three luxury watches, several mobile devices, computer gear, and a substantial collection of documents. These items reportedly provide crucial leads for the case and help establish the scope of criminal activity, as noted by the official briefings from the enforcement partners.
Beyond the seized valuables and devices, prosecutors and investigators conducted a patrimonial review of the detainee. This process resulted in the disposal of the single-family home, valued at approximately one million euros, along with four high-end vehicles. Additionally, authorities moved to freeze nine bank accounts, aiming to disrupt the financial channels that sustain illicit operations. Such measures illustrate the comprehensive approach used to dismantle both the immediate crime and its underlying economic network, per the integrated framework described in the authorities’ releases.
Following the arrest and the execution of the European arrest warrant for surrender, the suspect was placed at the disposal of the National Court. Reports indicate that the individual is later charged with involvement in a criminal organization responsible for the possession of substantial quantities of cannabis destined for distribution to Norway. The case highlights the transnational nature of drug supply chains and the importance of swift judicial steps to arrest and prosecute those at the top of such networks, as explained by the distributing agencies in their statement.
The investigation took place within Empact, the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats. This initiative brings together EU member states, agencies, and partner organizations to confront major crime threats through coordinated actions that disrupt criminal networks, structures, and business models. The collaboration emphasizes the value of shared intelligence, joint operations, and a unified legal framework to tackle cross-border criminal activity, according to the partnership’s documented aims.
As part of the ongoing inquiry, the research conducted under this framework was supported by the European Union. This backing reflects the EU’s commitment to assisting member states in addressing crime in areas such as drug trafficking, with a focus on cannabis, heroin, and cocaine among other topics. The combined efforts of national authorities and EU bodies continue to map and disrupt criminal routes, safeguard communities, and strengthen the resilience of European security networks, as reflected in the latest operational summaries and attribution notes within the coalition (EU partners, 2024).