DJ Hugo Bianco sentenced to 9½ years for leading Spain‑US drug ring

Argentine DJ Hugo Bianco, who performed at Ibiza venues such as Amnesia, Pacha and Destino, was convicted by the Balearic High Court of a 9‑year‑6‑month prison term and a €3 million fine. He is accused of acting as the logistical “brain” of an international drug‑trafficking network that operated between Ibiza, Barcelona and Miami.

The Operation Pertinax investigation, a joint effort by Spain’s Guardia Civil and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, led to the arrest of 21 suspects in 2020 and the seizure of 38 kg of cannabis, 4 500 cannabis plants, 8 kg of synthetic drugs and €45 000 in cash in the Balearic Islands, as well as 15 kg of MDMA and 14 kg of liquid ketamine in Miami. Bianco is currently listed as a fugitive in Florida, alongside two co‑accused who have failed to appear in court.