Spanish police dismantle drug and migrant smuggling networks linking Morocco, Algeria and Europe

Spanish security forces carried out coordinated raids that broke up two major smuggling rings operating across the Mediterranean. In one operation, drones capable of crossing the Strait of Gibraltar were used to transport up to 20 kg of narcotics, linking Morocco, Algeciras, the Basque Country and France. The investigation highlighted Morocco’s role as the world’s largest cannabis producer and its growing involvement in cocaine trafficking, with the Mocro Mafia controlling a large share of the European cocaine market and using the busy Tanger Med port as a logistics hub. Authorities seized 40 kg of cannabis, 2 kg of cocaine and confiscated numerous vehicles, boats and equipment.

A separate crackdown, conducted by the Guardia Civil, the Spanish National Police and Europol, targeted an organized migrant‑smuggling network that moved people from Algeria to Spain and onward to France and other EU states. Nine suspects of Algerian, Moroccan and Spanish nationality were arrested in Almería province, and police seized €43,000, 61 kg of hashish, three powerful engines, 30 vehicles, two large boats, weapons and false documents. The network had invested more than half a million euros in assets and operated with a hierarchical structure to facilitate illicit crossings.

Both operations underscore the extensive and sophisticated nature of cross‑border criminal enterprises that exploit maritime routes and logistics infrastructure to traffic drugs and migrants into Europe.