An operation led by Spain against a criminal network involved in drug, migrant and arms smuggling in the Western Mediterranean resulted in the detention of 77 people in Spain and one in Algeria.
The operation was launched by Spanish security forces in 2023, with support from law enforcement agencies in France, Poland and Portugal, as well as Europol. Europol also assisted with coordinating the operation.
Boats and smuggling equipment seized
Eighteen motorboats, including high-speed craft, were seized during the operation. The teams also confiscated drugs, satellite phones, one handgun and more than 25,000 euros.
The network was linked to crimes including robbery, extortion, unlawful detention and money laundering. It provided other criminal networks with storage, transportation, refueling, maritime transfers, boat maintenance and support in evading surveillance.
Two-way route between Algeria and Spain
Spain’s Civil Guard said the network operated a two-way smuggling route between Algeria and Spain. The network transported drugs to Algeria and, on the return journey, filled the boats with migrants and sent them to Spain’s coastal cities.
The network illegally brought more than 2,000 migrants into Spain and was held responsible for at least 64 migrant-smuggling operations.
Spanish authorities described the organization as one of the largest criminal structures specializing in maritime migrant smuggling in the Mediterranean. Four of those detained were identified as alleged leaders of the network.