Police dismantle major drug trafficking network

The National Police have dismantled one of the largest criminal organisations dedicated to drug trafficking, resulting in 57 arrests and the seizure of nearly ten tonnes of drugs. The operation, which began in August 2025, revealed that the organisation smuggled narcotics from Morocco through Spain’s coastlines, storing them in rented apartments in Madrid before distributing them to other criminal networks.

Agents detected drug trafficking activities through an encrypted messaging platform. Operating like a wholesale drug-trafficking enterprise, the organisation supplied both smaller distributors within Spain and established groups in other European countries. The investigation uncovered an international network with a “high degree of professionalism” specialising in smuggling large quantities of hashish and marijuana from Morocco.

During the operation, agents carried out 20 raids and seizures across various points in the country. Between August 2025 and July 2026, they conducted 15 raids in Madrid, two in Guadalajara, two in Malaga, and one in Valencia. These operations resulted in the seizure of 8,500 kilograms of hashish and over 1,100 kilograms of marijuana. Additionally, the police confiscated 19 vehicles, 12 luxury watches, €50,800 in cash, a firearm, and 47 bottles of gasoline.

The organisation extended beyond drug trafficking. Its members had developed a complex system for introducing illicit funds into the legitimate economy. Among the methods used were fraudulent loans, the purchase of properties and high-end vehicles, and the falsification of pay stubs and invoices. For this purpose, they employed front companies designed to give a veneer of legality to their financial dealings.

Of the 57 arrested individuals, 18 have been remanded in custody by judicial order. Those detained are under investigation for crimes including membership in a criminal organisation, drug trafficking, money laundering, forgery of documents, and illegal storage of ammunition.

The operation has succeeded in dismantling one of the most significant drug trafficking networks in Spain, with implications both domestically and internationally. The investigation will continue to determine the full extent of the organisation's illegal activities and to identify any potential links to other criminal networks.

Piece prepared by the newsroom from cross-checked sources in several countries.