50 arrested and 4 tonnes of cocaine seized in major anti-drug operation in Spain

Results of the operation:

• 48 suspects arrested
• 3.8 tonnes of cocaine seized
• 29 house searches in Fuerteventura (2), Gran Canaria (13) and Lanzarote (14)
• 69 vehicles seized (19 boats and speedboats)
• 6 properties seized
• EUR 100 000 in cash seized

Europol played a key role in the investigation by providing crucial analytical and financial support that contributed to the success of the operation. On the action day, a Europol specialist was deployed to Spain to support authorities in the field.

Speedboats and satellite terminals

Following months of investigation, authorities arrested some 50 members of a criminal network on 3 June. The network introduced cocaine from South America to the European Union by using a sophisticated maritime infrastructure.

The gang owned 11 speedboats that were used repeatedly, departing from strategic points in the Atlantic Ocean to a mother ship transporting the cocaine. After loading the drugs onto the speedboats, the suspects dropped them off in the Canary Islands, ready for distribution.

Additionally, the criminal network used a complex encrypted communications system to evade law enforcement, including the use of satellite terminals, hard-to-trace phones and a coded language.

Crucial police cooperation

This successful joint investigation involved the following authorities from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean:

• Portugal: Judiciary Police (Polícia Judiciária)
• Spain: National Police (Policía Nacional)
• Colombia: National Police (Policía Nacional)
• UK: National Crime Agency (NCA)
• USA: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
• Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre (MAOC, Narcotics)

More information: Europol