The Spanish authorities have made 13 new arrests in a significant operation aimed at disrupting a large-scale hashish trafficking network originating from Morocco. This brings the total number of individuals detained in the case to 35. According to reports from the Spanish newspaper "El Espanol," the investigation has uncovered new details about the network's activities, including the arrest of three Moroccans suspected of renting apartments and warehouses used to hide the narcotics.
The seized quantities of drugs in this case have exceeded 10.8 tons of hashish and 12.30 kilograms of marijuana. The investigation revealed that the network relied on two suppliers in Morocco, from whom they would transport hashish shipments from the Moroccan coast to southern Spain. The drugs were then distributed across various regions, including Huelva, Cadiz, Almeria, Alicante, and Madrid, before being further transported to other European markets.
The trafficking network utilized multiple means of transportation to introduce and distribute the narcotics, including fishing boats, speedboats, trucks, and vehicles. Additionally, they used warehouses and apartments to conceal the drugs. According to a police report submitted to the Spanish National Court, the network controlled a significant share of the hashish market in Spain and Europe.
This development follows an initial phase of the operation that resulted in the arrest of 22 individuals, including Juan Carlos, known as "Moreno," who was identified as one of the key figures in the network. The recent arrests came as the judicial investigation was expanded, and the suspects were detained alongside the disclosure of the judicial investigation.
The case highlights Morocco's role in the supply chain of Europe's hashish market. According to "El Espanol," the investigation into the "Moreno" network began in March 2025. The network was found to be importing large quantities of hashish from Morocco and transporting it through Andalusian coastlines to various parts of Spain, particularly Madrid, for distribution within Spain and abroad.
The Spanish authorities are continuing to investigate the case and are searching for one suspect who managed to escape. The investigation has not ruled out the possibility of it expanding to include other elements and networks linked to the case. This underscores the complexity and scale of international drug trafficking operations.
The uncovering of this extensive hashish trafficking network demonstrates the ongoing efforts of Spanish law enforcement to combat organized crime and drug trafficking. With the total arrests now at 35 and significant quantities of drugs seized, the operation marks a significant blow to the network's operations and their role in the European drug trade.
Key points
- The operation resulted in the arrest of 35 individuals and the seizure of over 10.8 tons of hashish.
- The network transported hashish from Morocco to Spain using various means, including boats and trucks.
- The investigation began in March 2025 and is ongoing, with authorities still searching for one suspect.
