Europol, partners make major drug bust involving South American cocaine and Moroccan hash

The Europol alongside Spanish Civil Guard as well as the Portuguese Judiciary Policeand National Guard brought down a major criminal network trafficking large quantities of cocaine and hashish to the European Union through the African route.

Law enforcement authorities from France and the United Kingdom were also involved in the investigation.

The one-year investigatio led to the seizure of 5 tonnes of hashish and 2 tonnes of cocaine.

The year-long operation resulted in the arrest of 50 individuals and the seizure of almost 5 tonnes of hashish and 2 tonnes of cocaine. Equipment used for the illegal trade, including boats, 350HP engines, almost 4 000 litres of gasoline, vehicles, trailers, jams detectors and beacons used for tracking shipments, were also confiscated.

The investigation uncovered a complex, multi-product trafficking scheme involving a two-way supply chain. The criminal network trafficked hashish from Morocco to South America, and then transported cocaine back across the Atlantic and via the west coast of Africa before bringing it to the Spanish mainland. The cocaine was smuggled in containers and transported using fast boats that were also used for smuggling hashish.

The leaders of the organisation were based in Huelva and the Gibraltar area, with other members operating in Morocco, Portugal, and the Canary Islands. Europol provided continuous analytical support and facilitated the exchange of information between the various agencies. On the two action days, Europol deployed experts to Spain to cross-check operational information in real time and provide leads to officers in the field.

This investigation has revealed a new development in the illegal drug trade, with hashish-trafficking networks establishing links with cocaine-trafficking organisations to diversify their drug portfolio and optimise their logistics in the drive for higher profits. The successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of international cooperation in tackling transnational crime.