Berlin police launch major crackdown on organised crime, illegal weapons trade

Police in Berlin carried out a large-scale operation on May 13 targeting organised crime networks and the illegal trafficking of firearms, authorities said.

The operation involved searches at around 20 locations across multiple districts of the German capital, including apartments and other premises suspected of being linked to criminal activity. Several hundred police officers took part in the raids, Spiegal reports. 

Iris Spranger, Berlin’s senator for the interior, said nine suspects had been detained during the operation. She noted that a specialised criminal police unit had spent several months preparing the coordinated raids.

“Anyone who makes our streets dangerous with weapons will feel the full force of the rule of law,” Spranger said in a statement.

German authorities have intensified efforts in recent years to combat organised crime, illegal arms trafficking, and violent gang activity, particularly following a series of street shootings in major urban areas.

The police union said law enforcement agencies would continue operations aimed at dismantling criminal gangs and reducing gun-related violence in the city.

By Sabina Mammadli