Spanish investigators suspect third drug-smuggling tunnel linked to Ceuta network

Spanish investigators suspect the existence of an additional drug-smuggling tunnel connected to the occupied city of Ceuta, according to Spanish media reports, as authorities continue to unravel a major trafficking network operating in the region.

The suspicion emerged after investigators intercepted recordings and communications allegedly linked to an organized criminal group active in the area. Preliminary findings suggest the tunnel may have been used, or was intended to be used, for drug-trafficking operations associated with the network currently under investigation.

The development follows the discovery of two secret tunnels in Ceuta’s Tarajal area. One of them was described as a sophisticated underground structure equipped with rail tracks, transport carts and a lifting system designed to move large quantities of cannabis into Ceuta before distribution to European markets.

Spanish authorities are continuing their investigation to determine whether the suspected third tunnel exists, its potential location and its connection to the criminal network targeted in Operation Aris, which has led to the arrest of dozens of suspects.

Security pressure forces criminal networks to adapt

Abdelhamid Bajouki, a specialist in Moroccan-Spanish relations, said the successive discoveries of smuggling tunnels highlight how criminal organizations adapt to increased security measures.

“Whenever security agencies tighten controls against organized crime networks and international mafia groups operating in the region, those organizations seek alternative routes,” Bajouki told Hespress AR.

He noted that enhanced security cooperation and operational coordination between Morocco and Spain have helped close traditional trafficking routes, prompting criminal groups to explore more sophisticated methods. Bajouki questioned whether authorities have identified only a third tunnel or whether additional underground passages could still be uncovered in the future.

He emphasized that security cooperation between Morocco and Spain, as well as between Morocco and the European Union, remains a cornerstone of bilateral relations. According to Bajouki, security coordination has intensified significantly in recent years, with senior-level meetings and joint efforts yielding tangible results.

He added that Moroccan security agencies’ contributions to investigations inside Spain have been acknowledged in official Spanish reports, with several Moroccan officials receiving distinctions and commendations. High-level Spanish delegations have also continued visiting Morocco, with several visits taking place this year alone.

Organized crime increasingly sophisticated

Security analyst Abderrahmane Mekkawi said international criminal organizations have previously attempted to establish a permanent presence in Morocco but were unsuccessful.

“The security apparatus is now confronting highly organized criminal groups composed of professional operators, in addition to ordinary crimes that represent the majority of offenses recorded in the country,” Mekkawi said.

According to Mekkawi, after failing to establish themselves within Morocco, organized crime groups developed transnational networks that rely on advanced technologies to smuggle drugs and irregular migrants.

He said traffickers initially used small aircraft, including Cessna planes, before turning to sophisticated tunnel systems capable of penetrating mountainous terrain.

Mekkawi described the border region between Ceuta and Morocco as particularly challenging due to its granite rock formations, which are difficult to excavate. The construction of such tunnels, he said, indicates the use of highly advanced drilling equipment fitted with diamond-tipped cutting heads capable of breaking through solid rock.

He also pointed to the growing use of technology by criminal organizations, including drones, remotely operated boats, maritime torpedoes carrying narcotics and even submarines.

The analyst noted that Morocco is reportedly accelerating efforts to acquire submarines from South Korea as part of broader measures aimed at countering increasingly sophisticated smuggling operations.

Mekkawi further argued that Mexican and Brazilian criminal organizations have strengthened ties with European mafia groups, particularly Italian networks, creating transcontinental alliances capable of financing large-scale trafficking projects worth billions of dollars.

Despite these evolving threats, he maintained that Moroccan authorities are better equipped than ever to confront organized crime and dismantle sophisticated trafficking networks operating across the region.