“Coco-Taxi”: Six Arrests Over Taxi-Delivered Drugs in Vienna

“Coco-Taxi”: Six Arrests Over Taxi-Delivered Drugs in Vienna

Image: APA/LPD WIEN

The Vienna police have dismantled a drug ring that used a cunning method to deliver cocaine to customers—via taxis. Deals were conducted during rides, with drivers aware of the operation receiving hush money in the form of tips. As of Wednesday, six men are either in custody or have already been convicted.

The group had been operating since 2019, supplying Vienna with cocaine. The operation involved two Austrian taxi drivers, aged 46 and 58, as well as four dealers: a 36-year-old Egyptian and three Nigerians aged 35, 36, and 47. Over the years, they are believed to have sold approximately 3.6 kilograms of cocaine.

The drug ring branded its operation as “Coco-Taxi,” advertising through graffiti sprayed on walls and bridges around the city. The network eventually reached nearly 100 clients. Customers would contact the dealers by phone, who would then arrive in taxis.

Once inside, the customer would sit in the backseat with the dealer, who was already present. The ride would begin, lasting long enough for the transaction to be completed. Afterward, the buyer would exit, and the driver would receive a tip in addition to the fare as compensation for their involvement.

The first arrest took place in June, followed by further detentions in September. On December 6, the final suspect—a 35-year-old Nigerian—was apprehended. The arrests, carried out with the support of the special forces unit WEGA, also led to the seizure of approximately 1.4 kilograms of cocaine and a four-figure sum of euros in small denominations, typical for drug transactions.

The two taxis used in the drug trade were also confiscated, marking the end of the “Coco-Taxi” network.

Don’t have an account yet? 

Latest News

Reach out for a handcrafted promotion of your business or product.