Major Drug Smuggling Operation Uncovered in Spain and Morocco

In a significant blow to international drug trafficking, Spanish authorities have recently uncovered a sophisticated drug smuggling tunnel connecting Morocco to Spain, along with dismantling several other major drug trafficking operations in the region.

Secret Tunnel in Ceuta

On February 19, 2025, the Guardia Civil discovered a secret drug smuggling tunnel in the Spanish territory of Ceuta, which borders Morocco on the northern tip of Africa. The tunnel, approximately 12 meters deep and 50 meters long, connected a warehouse in the Tarajal industrial estate to Morocco. This underground network was allegedly used to smuggle large amounts of hashish into Spain, evading Guardia Civil checkpoints by loading the drugs onto trucks headed for mainland Spain[1][2].

The construction of the tunnel was carried out discreetly within a warehouse, shielding the entry point from detection and masking the noise of the excavation with the industrial activities of the area.

Arrests and Investigation

The discovery of the tunnel is part of a broader investigation into drug trafficking and police corruption. The operation has resulted in the arrest of 14 individuals, including a deputy in the Assembly of Ceuta from the localist group MDyC, Mohamed Ali Duas, and two Guardia Civil officers suspected of collaborating with criminal organizations. These arrests highlight the deep-seated nature of the problem, involving both external traffickers and internal corruption[2].

Guadalquivir River Smuggling Route

In addition to the tunnel, Spanish authorities have been tracking another significant drug smuggling route along the Guadalquivir River in southern Spain. This river has become a preferred route for drug traffickers, particularly for cocaine, after increased police presence along other coastal areas. Recently, a semi-rigid boat, known as a ‘narcolancha,’ was intercepted in Lebrija, Sevilla, while transporting 200 cans of fuel intended for other boats carrying drugs. This operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region, which has seen several ‘narcolanchas’ operating brazenly in broad daylight near major cities like Sevilla[3].

International Drug Trafficking Networks

The Guardia Civil and other law enforcement agencies have also dismantled two major international drug trafficking networks operating in Andalusia. One network was dedicated to bringing hashish from Morocco into Spain via recreational boats along the coast of Huelva. Another network, led by individuals from France and involving members from Morocco, Croatia, and Serbia, was responsible for transporting hashish from Huelva and Cádiz to various European countries. These operations resulted in the detention of 30 people and the seizure of over eight tons of hashish, several war-grade weapons, six boats, and a dozen high-end vehicles[4].

Growing Concerns and Resource Challenges

The ongoing battle against drug trafficking in Spain has highlighted significant concerns about resource allocation and officer safety. The Guardia Civil has expressed that they are under-equipped to deal with the increasing threat, citing insufficient patrol boats and vehicles, many of which are in poor condition. This has allowed drug traffickers to dominate certain areas, such as the Strait of Gibraltar. The situation is further complicated by the use of military-grade weapons by traffickers and the involvement of minors in drug smuggling activities[3].

As the Spanish authorities continue to uncover and dismantle these complex drug trafficking networks, the need for enhanced resources and international cooperation becomes increasingly evident to combat this pervasive issue effectively.