Lorraine Williamson
A large-scale drug operation has been dismantled in the province of Málaga. This led to the arrest of 24 individuals—6 in Spain and 18 in France. The operation, conducted by the Policía Nacional in collaboration with the French Gendarmerie, EUROPOL, and EUROJUST, uncovered a 1,000-square-metre underground marijuana plantation and two cocaine labs.
The criminal organisation was dedicated to producing and trafficking cocaine and other narcotics. These were then transported to France for distribution across Central Europe. Authorities conducted 23 raids—nine of them in Spain—which led to the seizure of large quantities of drugs and weapons.
Investigation traced to Málaga-based criminal leader
The investigation began in May 2024 when Spanish authorities identified a network supplying narcotics to northern France and other Central European countries. The group’s leader had relocated to Málaga to establish cocaine laboratories and coordinate operations.
Agents uncovered that the network maintained high geographical mobility and worked with suppliers across southern Spain, including criminal groups in Córdoba, Sevilla, and Málaga.
Hidden cocaine labs and sophisticated smuggling techniques
The organisation operated two cocaine laboratories in Málaga, using vehicles equipped with hydraulic compartments to transport the drugs to France. These convoys also carried other narcotics, including hashish, marijuana, and synthetic drugs.
The group’s infrastructure included an industrial-scale underground marijuana plantation, hidden beneath one of the cocaine labs. Moreover, the double-level farm, built from shipping containers, covered 1,000 square metres.
Simultaneous arrests across Spain and France
The final phase of the operation was triggered when authorities detected a convoy preparing to transport drugs to France. With support from EUROPOL and EUROJUST, Spanish and French law enforcement coordinated simultaneous raids, leading to the arrest of 24 suspects.
Among those detained was the organisation’s leader, who attempted to flee to Thailand from Madrid but was intercepted before departure.
Significant drug and weapon seizures
Authorities seized 17 kilos of cocaine, 155 kilos of hashish, 15 kilos of marijuana, 5 kilos of synthetic drugs, and 100 litres of chemical precursors. Weapons recovered included two military-grade firearms—an assault rifle and a submachine gun—as well as a revolver, a shotgun, modified weapons, and four tasers.
In addition to drugs and weapons, officers confiscated 60 mobile phones, 6 luxury vehicles, and €225,000 in cash.
Ongoing investigations and legal action
The arrested individuals face charges related to drug trafficking, organised crime, and illegal possession of firearms. Further investigations are underway to determine the full extent of the network’s activities.
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