BARCELONA – In a record-breaking drug bust, the Guardia Civil has seized more than four tons of cocaine concealed in rice sacks at the Port of Barcelona. This operation marks the largest drug seizure in the port’s history.
The operation, known as “Sogata,” led to the dismantling of an international drug trafficking organisation with operations spanning Spain, Paraguay, and the UK. The network, responsible for the introduction of massive quantities of cocaine into Europe, has seen ten of its members arrested.
Key details of the operation
- Seized cocaine: Approximately 4,020 kilograms of cocaine were discovered in ten containers, hidden within rice sacks.
- Suspected origins: The drugs were shipped from Paraguay, where the organisation had set up an infrastructure to process and package the cocaine.
- Additional seizures: Authorities in Paraguay intercepted another shipment of 3,312 kilograms of cocaine destined for Belgium. And in March, UK authorities seized 2,100 kilograms of cocaine in Southampton, camouflaged among cocoa beans.
Geographic scope of police actions
Police operations in Spain were carried out across multiple provinces: Madrid, Barcelona, Toledo, Sevilla, Cádiz, Álava, and Jaén.
The criminal network’s modus operandi
The criminal network was sophisticated, involving Spanish businesspersons specialising in imports and exports to create a façade of legality. Investors financed the logistical aspects of the operations, while security personnel protected the network from potential threats, including police surveillance and rival gangs.
Arrests and evidence
- Arrests: Eight individuals were detained, including the administrator of the implicated Spanish company, and five others were declared under investigation.
- Searches: Five searches were conducted in homes and warehouses located in Madrid, Toledo, Sevilla, and Cádiz.
- Documentation: Abundant evidence was collected, linking the suspects to the drug trafficking activities.
International collaboration
The success of Operation Sogata was due to a coordinated effort between various national and international agencies, including:
- Spanish units: Central Operative Unit (UCO), Rapid Action Group (GAR), Reserve and Security Group (GRS), and multiple provincial units.
- International agencies: Paraguayan National Police’s SIU, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
This landmark operation highlights the Guardia Civil’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and underscores the extensive international cooperation required to tackle organised crime on a global scale. The seizure of over 9,432 kilograms of cocaine in total, including the historic bust at Barcelona’s port, stands as a testament to the success of Operation Sogata.
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