A massive joint operation led to the arrest of 49 key suspects across Europe and the UAE, including high-value targets (HVTs) responsible for flooding the continent with over 30 tonnes of cocaine . Coordinated raids took place between November 8 and 19, 2022, targeting the command-and-control infrastructure of this massive criminal network.

Investigative reports highlighted the arrest of a notorious underworld figure, Ricardo R. , who was caught in Berlin as part of a significant blow against the cocaine trade in Europe.

The request for an article regarding a operation involving a drug lord caught in Berlin refers to a significant law enforcement breakthrough during that period .

While Europol coordinates numerous operations, two specific cases from late 2022 frequently appear in reports related to "well-known" figures being apprehended:

Heat is rising as European super cartel is taken down in six countries

The most prominent event matching your description occurred in , when Europol and international partners dismantled a "super cartel" that reportedly controlled one-third of Europe's cocaine trade. Major 2022 Europol Arrests in Berlin