European Drug Lord “The Professor” Exploits Latin America for Cocaine Smuggling
A notorious European drug lord, known as “The Professor,” is on the run after authorities dismantled his extensive cocaine smuggling operation, which transported billions of pounds worth of drugs from Latin America to Europe.
In a dramatic twist that reads like a thriller, law enforcement agencies across Europe are hunting down a powerful drug lord nicknamed “The Professor.” This elusive figure has allegedly masterminded the smuggling of billions of pounds worth of cocaine from Latin America to Europe using yachts. The sprawling operation was recently uncovered by Spanish and British police, marking one of the most significant blows to international drug trafficking in recent years.
It’s a story that seems too audacious to be true. Born in Iran but holding Norwegian nationality, ‘The Professor’ is believed to have been orchestrating his vast drug empire from a luxury villa in Denia on Spain’s Costa Blanca. To mask his true identity, the 50-year-old pretended to teach Norwegian to locals, though he never actually conducted any classes, according to Spanish police.
Over two decades, he cultivated deep ties with powerful Mexican and Colombian drug cartels and collaborated with a British crime group based in Marbella. This British contingent played significant roles, organizing the fleet of yachts and handling logistics. They operated at the top tier of the organization, while British women worked as treasurers, laundering drug money in Marbella. Their investments included a restaurant and a hotel in the upscale resort. His British associates managed a fleet of yachts in southern Spain, but “The Professor” always had the final say on when shipments would be dispatched.
The gang’s operations needed to be more low-key. Lavish displays of wealth were standard; members used code names like “Damon Hill” and “Jeremy Clarkson,” flaunted diamond-encrusted guns, and even decorated a lavatory with piles of €50 notes. A Ferrari adorned with the symbol of the Colombian police and homes filled with gold busts of gang leaders were just a few testaments to their luxury.
The Bust
In December, French navy forces intercepted a Spanish-registered yacht 1,200 miles east of Martinique in the Caribbean, seizing 1.2 tons of cocaine worth £96 million on the streets. Among those arrested was Conor Cowan, a 30-year-old fisherman from the Isle of Lewis in Scotland, who was identified as the British skipper.
Described as mild-mannered by those who knew him, Cowan’s involvement in the drug trade shocked his tight-knit community. Known for his social media posts featuring sea views around the Western Isles, his springer spaniel Luna, and hauls of prawns, his arrest left many in disbelief.
Cowan’s arrest was just one part of a massive international crackdown. By the end of a three-year operation in June, ten Britons were among 52 people arrested. Despite the widespread arrests, “The Professor” managed to escape, fleeing Spain just days before the crackdown.
A Network Spanning Continents
“The Professor” and his syndicate relied heavily on mysticism to guide their operations. Before each yacht set sail, he consulted a santero, a witch doctor rooted in Latin American and African traditions. However, in December, this mystic guidance failed when police intercepted the yacht in the Caribbean.
The British contingent of the gang played significant roles, organizing the fleet of yachts and handling logistics. They operated at the top tier of the organization, while British women worked as treasurers, laundering drug money in Marbella. Their investments included a restaurant and a hotel in the upscale resort.
The expansive network saw yachts sail from Valencia, Malaga, and Alicante ports to various Latin American countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Lucia, Barbados, and Panama. These yachts would return to Europe laden with cocaine.
A Major Blow to Drug Trafficking
The operation’s success was hailed by Spanish police, who described it as a triumph of international cooperation. “This gang must have transported billions of pounds worth of cocaine over the years. We can never know how much. Each sailing boat carried about €20 million (£17 million) in cocaine,” a Spanish detective involved in the operation told The Telegraph.
The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) also played a critical role. Neil Keeping, NCA’s regional manager in Spain, emphasized the operation’s significance: “This Spanish-led international operation has dismantled a major drug trafficking crime group and resulted in the arrests of 10 British nationals. A portion of the class A drugs seized would have undoubtedly been destined for the UK, where its supply at street levels fuels violence and exploitation and brings misery to our communities.”
The scale of the operation was staggering. More than 1.5 tons of cocaine, eight boats, 36 vehicles, and over 85 mobile phones were seized. Among those arrested were over 15 Norwegians, including a “reconverted bank robber,” highlighting the diverse and far-reaching nature of the gang’s membership.
The Hunt Continues
While the operation significantly disrupted the drug smuggling network, “The Professor” remains at large. Authorities continue their search, hoping to bring the mastermind to justice and dismantle the remnants of his operation.
The case of Conor Cowan illustrates the far-reaching impacts of the operation. Locals on the Isle of Lewis, where Cowan was known for his maritime heritage and quiet demeanor, expressed shock and disbelief at his involvement. Speculation ran rampant within the community as people tried to understand how someone from their midst ended up at the center of such a central international drug smuggling ring.
International Implications
The disruption of “The Professor’s” network is a significant victory in the global fight against drug trafficking, particularly the flow of cocaine from Latin America to Europe. Latin America has long been a focal point in the drug trade, with powerful cartels exerting considerable influence and perpetuating violence and corruption.
The international cooperation displayed in this operation is a testament to the shared responsibility in combating transnational crime. With the seizure of vast amounts of cocaine and the arrest of key gang members, authorities have delivered a substantial blow to one of the most sophisticated smuggling operations to date.
The saga of “The Professor” is a stark reminder of the complexities and global reach of the drug trade. While the successful operation against his network marks a significant achievement, the pursuit of justice continues. As law enforcement agencies around the world tighten their nets, the hope remains that “The Professor” will soon be brought to justice, further damaging the illicit networks that threaten the stability and safety of nations. This case also underscores the ongoing challenges in addressing drug trafficking, from the international coordination required to the societal impacts of these criminal activities.
Also read: Mexican Sinaloa Cartel Chief’s Arrest Sparks Controversy and Investigation
This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by countries in Latin America and beyond in addressing drug trafficking and the importance of sustained international efforts to tackle these pervasive issues. The dismantling of “The Professor’s” empire is a testament to what can be achieved through determined and coordinated action, offering a glimmer of hope in the relentless fight against the global drug trade.
