Trial against drug lord Hai: 10 tons of cocaine discovered in Hamburg!

Trial against drug lord Hai: 10 tons of cocaine discovered in Hamburg!

The trial against a suspected drug lord began today in the Hamburg district court. The 61-year-old, who calls himself “the shark,” was arrested in Albania and extradited to Hamburg in November 2024. The trial revolves around the smuggling of a whopping ten tons of cocaine, which he is said to have brought to Hamburg in shipping containers behind the back of the authorities with the help of a gang. These containers were originally filled with gelatin, silicon, charcoal or even bananas to avoid attracting attention. Initially, the question of how the group was exposed remained open, and the security precautions in the court are also remarkable. Spectators had to enter the building via a side entrance with an additional security gate, as the procedure is subject to the highest level of security.

It took the prosecutor an impressive hour and a half to read out the allegations against the defendant. However, those present waited in vain for his own statement: the defendant did not comment. The gang is also said to have recruited port workers from the large transshipment companies HHLA and Eurogate. The accomplices then picked up the containers in trucks from the port of Hamburg and transported them to warehouses in Lower Saxony, such as in Seevetal, Buxtehude and Lüneburg. From there, the cocaine was transported to the Netherlands, Bremen and Hesse.

Drug trafficking in the port of Hamburg

The port of Hamburg plays a central role as a gateway for drugs into Europe. Investigations by ZDF show the sophisticated methods used by criminals in the drug trade. The situation is particularly explosive since a total of 116 tons of cocaine were confiscated in the port of Antwerp in 2023. Of course, Hamburg also joins the list of European ports that have had to struggle with large amounts of drug smuggling in recent years. In 2022, a total of 14.4 tons of cocaine were confiscated in Germany, of which 9.7 tons were confiscated in the Hamburg customs area alone.

Current figures show that record amounts of smuggled cocaine have been seized in German seaports, particularly in the port of Hamburg. Although the authorities expect a decline in the number of seizures in 2024, the supply of cocaine remains stable, which is also reflected in the price and purity. The decision by Belgian Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden to set up a European Ports Alliance against drug trafficking and organized crime shows that authorities across Europe must pull together to fight drug gangs. In this context, the German security forces have also founded a “Safe Harbor Alliance” in order to combat drug-related crime more effectively.

Latest developments and outlook

A verdict in the case against the 61-year-old is not expected until next year. The additional report about the defendant is particularly tragic: He is suspected of abusing his partner, which resulted in the woman's fatal fall from the fourth floor. In another incident in Hamburg-Barmbek, a 31-year-old woman was allegedly killed by her ex-boyfriend, who then injured himself. Both left behind an eight-month-old baby.

The drug problem remains a hot topic in Hamburg and shows how strongly the drug trade influences society. It remains to be seen what further findings will come to light in the ongoing investigations and trials.

For further information on the drug trial and current developments in the Port of Hamburg, read the reports from NDR, ZDF and daily news.