ANDALUCIA – Operation “Macadamia” began in October 2021 when the Guardia Civil detected a shipment of hashish that was hidden in a truck inside pallets full of onions. At the time, the two truckers were arrested, and 468 kilos of hashish were seized.
Then, the following May, another shipment of drugs was detected. This time it was hidden in the legal cargo of a truck bound for La Carolina in Jaén. The driver of the truck was arrested by the Guardia Civil. And, furthermore, 194 kilos of hashish and 30 kilos of marijuana were seized.
More hashish seized
Later, that same month, police intercepted a boat out at sea chartered by the same organisation. This time, they seized 1,800 kilos of hashish, and arrested the 3 people on board.
During the investigation, they learned about the framework of the organisation. They discovered those responsible were two Italian citizens with a European arrest and surrender warrant out against them for the last four years.
Ringleaders identified
Furthermore, they were able to verify that the ringleaders lived in towns between Seville and Malaga. Moreover, to avoid detection, they adopted various security measures. This included carrying false identities, changing their addresses every few months, and travelling using a well-known online passenger transport company.
The Guardia Civil with the support of Europol, within the framework of the “Macadamia” operation, has dismantled an international criminal organisation dedicated to introducing large batches of hashish into the Peninsula for subsequent shipment to other European countries. More than two tons of drugs have been seized in the operation and 20 people have been arrested.
Destined for France and Italy
It was also discovered that the destinations for the hashish was France and Italy. Consequently, the agents established contacts with the police of these countries coordinated by Europol.
Once the entire framework, the players of the organisation, and their roles were identified, six enter and searches were made in the towns of Seville and Carmona.
During these searches, over 33 kilograms of hashish, 16 kilograms of marijuana, 34 mobile phones, falsified documentation, cash, and a large marijuana plantation were seized.
Court
Operation “Macadamia” has been directed by the Investigating Court number 17 of Seville.
