In a coordinated operation, Europol supported Spanish and Colombian law enforcement agencies in dismantling a sophisticated cocaine-smuggling network.
The operation resulted in 28 arrests, the seizure of approximately 70 kilograms of narcotics, large sums of cash, and firearms.
Cocaine-smuggling network taken down
The joint efforts between Spain’s Policía Nacional and Colombia’s Policía Nacional de Colombia led to the dismantling of a cocaine-extraction and processing lab, as well as the arrest of 26 suspects in Spain. Two additional suspects were apprehended in Colombia. The network primarily consisted of Colombian and Spanish nationals, and it was led by a former member of the now-disbanded Colombian paramilitary group ‘Bloque Central Bolívar’.
Seizures and assets confiscated
During the operation, police seized a significant amount of drugs and criminal assets, including:
- 47 kilograms of freshly processed cocaine hydrochloride
- 20 kilograms of cocaine base
- 2 kilograms of marijuana
- 3,000 litres and 300 kilograms of various chemicals
- 3 firearms
- €245,000 in cash
- 13 vehicles
Sophisticated smuggling techniques employed
The criminal network used an advanced method to smuggle cocaine undetected. Cocaine base was injected into cardboard boxes containing legal goods, such as fruit, and then shipped in maritime containers from Colombia to Málaga. Once in Spain, the cocaine was extracted from the cardboard and processed into its final consumable form, cocaine hydrochloride, ready for distribution.
Impact of the operation
This joint operation resulted in the disruption of the network’s logistical and company structures used to facilitate their illegal activities. Europol played a crucial role by providing analytical and operational support during the two action days. Europol specialists were on-site, offering forensic support and real-time cross-checking of new leads and information against the agency’s databases.
Broader implications for drug trafficking trends
This operation highlights a growing trend observed by Europol and the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) in their EU Drug Markets Report. There has been an increase in the number, capacity, and sophistication of laboratories designed for extracting and processing cocaine base into its final consumable form within Europe. Typically, raw cocaine is transported to Europe concealed in materials like charcoal to minimise detection risks at entry points such as ports and airports.
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