The Spanish National Police have dismantled a criminal organisation operating in Algeciras that used drones to smuggle hashish from Morocco to Spain. As detailed in a press release from the Policía Nacional, the operation resulted in 10 arrests, with seven individuals remanded in custody.
The network, based in the Campo de Gibraltar and Costa del Sol regions, relied on large, custom-made drones capable of transporting up to 10 kilograms of hashish per flight. These drones, produced in Ukraine, were transported to southern Spain, where they were used to fly across the Strait of Gibraltar. The drones would drop their cargo without landing, returning directly to Morocco.
Drone specifications
- Capacity: Up to 10 kilograms of hashish per trip.
- Range: Over 50 kilometres of autonomous flight.
- Manufacture: Custom-built in Ukraine and brought to Spain by road.
The drones were operated by individuals from Eastern Europe who coordinated with local criminal groups to provide aerial smuggling services.
Investigation and arrests
The investigation, which lasted over a year, was supported by EUROPOL and law enforcement agencies in Ukraine and Poland. It revealed that the network had attempted to smuggle up to 1,000 kilograms of hashish using this method.
Operation details
Police conducted six raids in Algeciras and Marbella, resulting in:
- 10 arrests for alleged drug trafficking and criminal organisation offenses.
- Seizures:
- Three drones, including one under construction.
- Remote control systems and repair tools.
- Large quantities of cash and hashish.
The arrested individuals were brought before Algeciras Investigating Court 5, which ordered the detention of seven suspects.
Increasing use of drones in smuggling
The case highlights the growing sophistication of smuggling operations in the region. The use of drones allows criminals to bypass traditional surveillance and transport drugs quickly across international borders. Authorities continue to strengthen cross-border cooperation to combat such activities effectively.
This operation underscores the commitment of the Policia Nacional to combat drug trafficking and criminal networks in southern Spain. The dismantling of this “narco-drone” network not only disrupts a significant supply route but also sends a strong message about the consequences of engaging in such illegal activities.