Germany is currently experiencing a severe escalation in drug-related violence, with inter-gang conflicts leading to bombings, kidnappings, and torture. This alarming rise in criminal activities has prompted Japan to issue a travel warning to its citizens visiting Germany, particularly in North Rhine-Westphalia and Düsseldorf, where much of the violence has been concentrated.
Japan’s Travel Warning
The Japanese Government’s alert, issued on July 12, highlighted the increase in drug-related crime and advised Japanese nationals to exercise extreme caution. The advisory noted that since late June, multiple explosions and kidnapping incidents have occurred in several German cities, including Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Duisburg. These events are believed to be the result of conflicts between drug gangs, primarily linked to the Mocro Mafia, a notorious criminal organization based in the Netherlands.
Recent Incidents
The current wave of violence seems to have been sparked by the theft of 300 kilograms of cannabis from a warehouse near Cologne in mid-June 2024. This theft triggered a series of retaliatory attacks, including bombings in Cologne, Düsseldorf, Duisburg, Engelskirchen, and Solingen. While these attacks have primarily targeted properties associated with rival gangs, they have caused significant property damage and heightened public fea.).
In a particularly shocking incident, German Special Task Force (SEK) officers rescued a kidnapped couple in Cologne. The victims, who were linked to the Lebanese El-Zein clan, had been brutally tortured by their captors, believed to be associated with the Mocro Mafia. This kidnapping and subsequent torture were reportedly part of a larger dispute over a missing shipment of drugs valued at around €9 million..
The Mocro Mafia’s Influence
The Mocro Mafia, composed mainly of individuals with Moroccan heritage, has established a strong presence in the Netherlands due to its strategic ports like Rotterdam and Antwerp, which serve as major entry points for drugs into Europe. The gang is infamous for its extreme violence, including high-profile murders and the use of torture containers. In the Netherlands, the Mocro Mafia has been connected with numerous contract killings and has even threatened ministers and heads of state.
Wider European Context
The escalation of violence in Germany is part of a broader European problem. Antwerp, Belgium’s second-largest city and a key port, has also seen a significant rise in drug-related violence. The mayor of Antwerp described the threat posed by drug smuggling as more severe than the 2016 terrorist crisis, emphasizing the need for a coordinated European response to combat the drug trade and its associated violence.
Belgium has taken measures to bolster its fight against drug trafficking, including increasing security at ports and appointing a national drugs commissioner. There is also a concerted effort among European countries with major ports to prevent the displacement of criminal activities from one city to another.
Conclusion
The recent surge in drug-related violence in Germany, driven by the activities of the Mocro Mafia and other criminal organizations, poses a significant threat to public safety. The collaboration between German and Dutch authorities, as well as broader European cooperation, is crucial to addressing this escalating crisis. As the situation develops, it remains imperative for law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts to dismantle these criminal networks and prevent further violence.
