Lorraine Williamson
Policía Nacional said the investigation uncovered a sophisticated network capable of moving large quantities of cocaine across the country using convoys of high-powered vehicles. Authorities have remanded 12 of the 15 people arrested to custody.
More than 2,700kg of cocaine seized
The investigation began in 2025 following international police cooperation and information about a group allegedly importing large quantities of cocaine into Spain before distributing it domestically and exporting it elsewhere in the European Union.
Police say the organisation had a highly structured operation, with family relationships between some members helping to reinforce trust within the group and making infiltration more difficult.
Across the investigation, officers seized more than 2,700kg of cocaine and 800 grams of tusi, a synthetic drug mixture commonly known as ‘pink cocaine’, although it does not necessarily contain cocaine.
Convoy travelled 2,000km in one day
One of the most striking elements of the investigation emerged in April, when officers began tracking repeated journeys across Spain.
During one operation, members of the network allegedly travelled more than 2,000 kilometres in a single day, using several high-powered vehicles and extensive counter-surveillance measures.
Police say a convoy of up to five vehicles travelled from Huelva to the Barcelona area, at times reaching speeds of more than 200km/h. Investigators watched as heavy packages were unloaded after the convoy arrived before the vehicles immediately began the return journey towards southern Spain.
The organisation’s movements took members through several areas of the country, particularly the Costa del Sol, Campo de Gibraltar, Levante, Catalonia and Madrid.
Raids in Málaga, Marbella and Estepona
The investigation led to a series of raids on 10 April at three homes and a workshop in Málaga, Estepona, Marbella and Churriana.
Officers seized 1,434kg of cocaine, 800 grams of tusi, two handguns, four vehicles and two motorcycles during that phase of the operation. Three people were arrested.
At the same time, another 1,351kg of cocaine was discovered in the garage of a rented property in Sant Just Desvern, Barcelona, which police say was being used exclusively to store drugs.
Three further suspects were subsequently arrested in Pilar de la Horadada, Alicante, in connection with the transportation of the drug shipments.
Further arrests followed across Spain
The operation continued in the months that followed. On 10 June, police searched additional properties linked to the organisation in Marbella and Estepona and arrested another three people.
Two more suspects were later detained in Málaga and Barcelona over their alleged logistical involvement. Investigators believe properties, premises and vehicles were made available to the organisation without conventional contracts, in some cases using nominees to conceal the identity of the real owners.
During the summer, several other suspected members who had either left Spain or gone into hiding were detained under European and international arrest warrants.
In total, 15 people have been arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking and membership of a criminal organisation. Twelve were ordered into provisional detention after appearing before the judicial authorities.
Police seized 29 high-end vehicles and placed embargoes on another eight as part of the wider investigation.
The operation has now dismantled what investigators describe as an organisation specialising in receiving and storing cocaine before transporting it onwards for other criminal groups operating across Europe.