A transnational smuggling network operating in the Western Mediterranean has been dismantled by Spanish police, collaborating with Europol. The network was involved in the illicit trafficking of drugs, weapons, and migrants between Europe and Algeria. Europol announced on Friday that 78 suspects were apprehended across Spain and Algeria, including three individuals deemed to be particularly dangerous.
The investigation led to searches at 17 different locations in Spain, including areas in Alicante, Almería, Cartagena, and Murcia. During the operation, authorities seized numerous items: 18 high-speed boats, one revolver, a simulated submachine gun, ammunition, over 25,000 euros in cash, 15,000 MDMA pills, 61 kilograms of hashish, and 500 grams of cocaine. Communication equipment, such as satellite phones and GPS devices, was also confiscated.
Europol reported that the criminal network functioned much like a logistics company, providing services to other criminal organizations. It is believed the group organized the transport and storage of illegal goods and people, relying on a fleet of “ghost fast boats” that are prohibited in Spain. Investigators also suspect the network was implicated in other criminal activities, including extortion and money laundering.
