Ceuta police dismantle irregular migration smuggling network

Spanish National Police in Ceuta have dismantled an irregular migration smuggling network as part of ‘Operation Senín’. The operation followed reports from local residents regarding suspicious activity in a building's garage.

Authorities discovered that the garage was being used as a shelter for migrants living in inhumane conditions, sometimes housing up to 20 people at a time while awaiting transport to mainland Spain. During the intervention, police found eight migrants inside the premises.

Investigations revealed that the network charged high fees for accommodation and smuggling. One migrant reported paying 900 euros for one month of lodging and an additional 6,000 euros for smuggling into Spain. Two suspects were arrested: the first for allegedly managing the network and collecting funds, and the second for involvement in mediation and recruiting migrants. The suspects also face allegations of intimidation against migrants who cooperated with authorities.