50 arrested and 4 tonnes of cocaine seized in major hit against drug trafficking in Spain

Almost 50 suspects have been arrested in a large-scale operation supported by Europol against the largest criminal network operating in the Canary Islands (Spain). The investigation was led by Spanish authorities and also involved law enforcement from Portugal, Colombia, UK and USA.  

Results of the operation:

• 48 suspects arrested

• 3.8 tonnes of cocaine seized

• 29 house searches in Fuerteventura (2), Gran Canaria (13) and Lanzarote (14)

• 69 vehicles seized (19 boats and speedboats)

• 6 properties seized

• EUR 100 000 in cash seized

Europol played a key role in the investigation by providing crucial analytical and financial support that contributed to the success of the operation. On the action day, a Europol specialist was deployed to Spain to support authorities in the field.

Speedboats and satellite terminals

Following months of investigation, authorities arrested some 50 members of a criminal network on 3 June. The network introduced cocaine from South America to the European Union by using a sophisticated maritime infrastructure.

The gang owned 11 speedboats that were used repeatedly, departing from strategic points in the Atlantic Ocean to a mother ship transporting the cocaine. After loading the drugs onto the speedboats, the suspects dropped them off in the Canary Islands, ready for distribution.

Additionally, the criminal network used a complex encrypted communications system to evade law enforcement, including the use of satellite terminals, hard-to-trace phones and a coded language.

Crucial police cooperation

This successful joint investigation involved the following authorities from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean: 

• Portugal: Judiciary Police (Polícia Judiciária)

• Spain: National Police (Policía Nacional)

• Colombia: National Police (Policía Nacional)

• UK: National Crime Agency (NCA)

• USA: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

• Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre (MAOC, Narcotics)