Spanish Civil Guard secures secret drug-smuggling tunnel linking Ceuta and Northern Morocco

Spanish Civil Guard forces in Ceuta have closed off a secret underground tunnel in the Tarajal industrial zone used for drug trafficking between the province of Tetouan and the enclave.

According to local Spanish media, the Civil Guard is now maintaining round-the-clock surveillance over the warehouse concealing the tunnel’s entrance, which has been sealed off with a metal barrier to prevent any future use.

Authorities are reportedly considering several options to permanently shut down the tunnel, including the possibility of detonating it, in order to ensure it cannot be reused. Investigations are ongoing under the supervision of the National Court and the Anti-Narcotics Prosecutor’s Office, with a focus on uncovering the precise roles of those involved.

The tunnel was discovered two months ago during a security operation codenamed “Hades,” which led to the arrest of 14 individuals, including a local official and two Civil Guard members, all facing charges related to drug trafficking.

Investigations revealed that the criminal network relied on a “security structure” that included members of the Civil Guard, providing it with significant protection to move thousands of kilograms of hashish from Ceuta to mainland Spain since 2023.

Spanish authorities have seized more than 6,000 kilograms of hashish in three truck interceptions between June 2023 and January 2025. The drugs were hidden in secret compartments inside the vehicles.

Meanwhile, Moroccan authorities have launched a broad investigation to determine whether the tunnel has an exit point on the border with the occupied city and to verify Spanish media claims. However, no official findings have been released to date.