Austrian police have dismantled an international drug trafficking network involving Serbian and Croatian nationals, seizing 30.2 kilograms of cocaine and 27.5 kilograms of hashish. According to Austrian newspaper Heute, the cocaine seizure is the largest recorded in Vienna in the past decade.
The investigation began in October 2025, after police received information that drugs were being sold alongside alcohol at a nightclub in Vienna’s Meidling district.
Cocaine Hidden in a Luxury Mercedes
At the center of the investigation was a 43-year-old Serbian national who had no registered residence in Austria but regularly visited the nightclub.
On January 16, 2026, police launched an operation in the Liesing district after monitoring the expected arrival of a drug shipment.
A luxury Mercedes S-Class with German license plates arrived at the location, driven by a 32-year-old Croatian national.
During the search, officers initially discovered 20 kilograms of cocaine. Another 10 kilograms were found in a specially concealed compartment beneath the rear seats, which could reportedly only be opened using a magnet.
To avoid attracting suspicion, the driver had placed ski equipment in the vehicle, creating the impression that he was traveling on a winter holiday.
Arrests Across Several European Countries
According to investigators, the drugs had been transported through several European countries, including Slovenia, Italy, France and Spain.
As part of the investigation, several suspects were arrested in Austria and Germany, while searches were also carried out in Valencia, Spain.
Those under investigation included another Serbian national, an Iraqi national and several Austrian citizens.
Police Also Prevented a Possible Murder
During the investigation, police uncovered a separate case involving a 38-year-old Austrian man suspected of threatening to kill his former wife.
Officers reportedly found a loaded handgun, ammunition and surveillance and tracking devices in his possession.
Because of the seriousness of the threats, investigators temporarily redirected their efforts toward preventing a possible murder.
“Preventing femicide was much more important at that moment,” said Major Christoph Hackl of the Vienna Criminal Police.
More Than 17 Years in Combined Prison Sentences
According to Austrian authorities, members of the criminal network received combined prison sentences totaling 17 years and two months.
In addition to the drugs, police seized three vehicles and cash amounting to a five-figure sum.
The operation was described as a significant blow to international drug trafficking in the Austrian capital.
