Spanish and French authorities bust Barcelona-to-Rennes drug smuggling ring

A joint operation by Spain's National Police, France's Gendarmerie and Europol dismantled an international drug trafficking network that moved cocaine, hashish, marijuana and other contraband from the Barcelona area to Rennes, France. The two suspected leaders were arrested in Castelldefels, a town south of Barcelona, after investigators seized 5.54 kg of cocaine, 43.14 kg of hashish, 12.42 kg of vacuum‑packed marijuana, 3,070 packs of tobacco, €90,890 in cash, crypto assets, luxury goods and two high‑end vehicles.

One suspect remains in pre‑trial detention, while the other was released under strict precautionary measures, including surrender of his passport and weekly court appearances. Authorities say the gang used legitimate parcel‑delivery services to conceal shipments across the border and continue to investigate possible further participants.

The operation, started in July 2025, highlights continued cross‑border cooperation to combat organized drug trafficking in the EU.