Lorraine Williamson
The Guardia Civil, in coordination with the National Police and Tax Agency, has dismantled a criminal organisation led by a well-known family clan from Cadiz.
The joint operation, named Navegante, resulted in the arrest of 15 individuals in Cádiz province. The group specialised in logistical support for drug trafficking, including fuel supplies, high-speed boats, and other resources.
Raids and seizures
Authorities conducted seven property searches in Chiclana de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa María, and Puerto Real. During these raids, a large cache of items used to support drug transport networks was uncovered:
- One four-metre inflatable boat with a motor and three deflated inflatables.
- Four engines and three motor shafts.
- Four vehicles and two motorcycles.
- €21,580 in cash.
- Five firearms, a military smoke grenade, and two machetes.
- 7kg of marijuana and 18 packages of hashish.
- 2,475 litres of petrol stored in jerry cans.
- Two police beacons, three GPS devices, and 29 phones, including two satellite phones.
A Structured criminal network
The investigation began when police identified an organisation providing logistical support to drug-running high-speed boats. This group supplied fuel, food, and crew changes for vessels used to transport drugs and, in some cases, undocumented migrants.
As the investigation continued, authorities confirmed that the network was structured and hierarchical. Moreover, it was controlled by two brothers from a family clan based in Chiclana. The leaders oversaw operations and finances, which included acquiring fuel, vehicles, boats, and logistical hubs for storage. Additionally, they managed trusted contacts and ensured security for fuel transport.
In the second tier, a lieutenant acted as the leaders’ right-hand man. He coordinated with lower-ranking members, who were responsible for handling day-to-day tasks within the organisation.
Criminal background and operations
The group’s members have extensive criminal histories, particularly linked to drug trafficking. The organisation operated with precision, ensuring that boats at sea received coordinated support. For instance, they provided fuel, supplies, crew changes, and sometimes exchanged petrol for packages of hashish.
To evade law enforcement pressure, the group regularly changed supply locations. As a result, new fuel storage sites, known as guarderías, were established across the province to avoid detection. These sites were found in both urban areas and outskirts, often in residential buildings.
In some cases, petrol was stored in rooms adjoining children’s bedrooms or in building basements occupied by families. Consequently, the transportation of flammable materials in vans posed a significant safety risk, with the potential for catastrophic explosions.
Growing police pressure
The operation highlights the continued pressure from law enforcement on organised drug networks in southern Spain. By dismantling logistical operations, authorities disrupt supply chains critical to the drug trade. Furthermore, the use of high-speed boats, or narcolanchas, remains a key method for drug smuggling in the region.
The Guardia Civil confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
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