Lorraine Williamson
A British criminal organisation accused of trafficking large quantities of cocaine from Spain to the UK has been dismantled by the Guardia Civil. More than one tonne of cocaine has been seized, one British man has been jailed, and five other suspects are now wanted internationally.
The organisation was based in Málaga province and allegedly used a property on the Costa del Sol to receive large quantities of cocaine before moving the drugs across Spain for shipment to the UK.
The investigation, known as Operation Miscelánea, led officers from the Costa del Sol to Badajoz and Granada before returning to Estepona, where hundreds of kilograms of cocaine, weapons, ammunition, and cash were seized.
According to the Guardia Civil, the group used high-powered cars and large vans in what investigators describe as a “go fast” system, transporting cocaine from the Costa del Sol to different Spanish ports before it was shipped by sea to Britain.
Cocaine trail began with 423kg seizure
The investigation began when officers stopped a van in Talavera La Real, Badajoz. Inside were 17 sports bags containing 423 kilograms of cocaine. However, the driver managed to escape.
Investigators established that the vehicle had begun its journey in Estepona, prompting increased surveillance of properties and people suspected of being connected with the organisation on the Costa del Sol.
Several days later, officers following another suspicious vehicle reached an industrial estate in Baza, Granada. A van was intercepted there containing another 326 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside suitcases, and its British driver was arrested.
27 arrested as Spain-based international cocaine and money-laundering network dismantled
Another 265kg found in Estepona
Following the Baza seizure, Guardia Civil officers searched a property in Estepona, where they discovered another 265 kilograms of cocaine together with equipment allegedly used to package and seal the drugs.
Officers also seized a rifle, a submachine gun, a semi-automatic handgun, a large quantity of ammunition and cash. Several high-end vehicles were confiscated during the wider operation.
The three cocaine seizures amount to 1,014 kilograms.
The British man arrested in Baza was brought before the Court of First Instance and Investigation in Estepona, which ordered him to be held in prison without bail.
Five suspects fled to the UK
Investigators subsequently discovered that other members of the alleged organisation had managed to leave Spain following the operation in Baza.
The Guardia Civil says the suspects fled to the United Kingdom, and five international arrest warrants have now been requested for the principal individuals under investigation.
The operation was carried out by officers from the Guardia Civil’s Judicial Police Unit in Málaga, supported by officers from other commands.