ROME

An international operation led to the arrest of 24 people accused of being part of a Brazilian cocaine cartel, Europol said Wednesday.

Authorities said several operations have been carried out in recent months in Brazil, Spain and Portugal that target what they described as a “highly professional criminal syndicate.”

The suspects were arrested May 4 in Spain and Portugal after coordinated raids in the two countries, said Europol.

Authorities carried out 20 house searches in Spain and four in Portugal, which resulted in the seizure of more than 73 kilograms (161 pounds) of methamphetamine, five firearms and more than €116,000 ($126,000) in cash.

Seven other members of the same gang had been arrested earlier in Spain, Portugal and Brazil. ​​​​​​​

This wave of arrests follows the June 2022 seizure of 800 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a container of frozen acai berries originating from Brazil, in the port of Sines, Portugal, said Europol.

“The Brazilian cartel had direct contact with cocaine producers in Brazil and other South American producer countries and was responsible for the preparation and shipment of cocaine in maritime containers bound for major European ports,” it added.

The arrests are the result of collaboration between European and Brazilian authorities, who have been exchanging intelligence since August 2022.