Large marijuana and ‘laughing gas’ organisation brought down by Spanish authorities

A large-scale criminal organisation involved in money laundering through drug trafficking and online scams has been brought down by Spanish authorities in the Costa del Sol. The National Police arrested 43 individuals, seizing nearly 5,000 bottles of nitrous oxide—commonly known as ‘laughing gas’—along with 112 kilograms of marijuana ready to be shipped across Europe. Six of those arrested are already in prison.

The operation uncovered the diverse illegal operations run by this Bulgarian-led group, which specialised in telematic scams, marijuana trafficking, and the sale of nitrous oxide. The group engaged in fraudulent schemes, such as selling second-hand clothing and arranging fake rentals, swindling over 39,000 euros from at least 41 identified victims, though investigators believe the true number could be much higher.

The marijuana trafficking business was equally extensive, with shipments bound for Ireland, Germany, and Poland, among other countries. Three large seizures during the operation uncovered 112 kilograms of marijuana concealed in specially designed electrical cabinets, poised for shipment to European markets.

‘Laughing gas’ in high demand in Costa del Sol

The group also capitalised on the rising demand for nitrous oxide, which has become popular in party scenes and private events across the Costa del Sol. The police tracked down at least three shipments of the gas, amounting to nearly 5,000 bottles weighing over 13,000 kilograms.

Money laundering operations uncovered

The organisation had established a sophisticated money laundering network to handle the profits from their illegal activities. Using third-party identities, they opened multiple bank accounts and set up online betting profiles, transferring funds between them before moving money abroad, primarily to Bulgaria. The police discovered that over €2.5 million had been funnelled through these accounts, with much of it invested in property, including houses, storage units, and parking spaces. Despite their lavish purchases, none of the organisation’s members had any legal source of income.

Operation Halo-Colbe-Naria: 43 arrested

The police operation, named Halo-Colbe-Naria, culminated in the arrest of 43 suspects and the dismantling of the criminal organisation. The investigation involved multiple units from Málaga’s Provincial Police Station and the Antequera Police Station.

Also read: Largest seizure of laughing gas ever in Europe was made in Spain