Spanish Police Dismantle Drug Smuggling Operation Using Ukrainian-Made Drones

In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, Spanish police have successfully dismantled a sophisticated drug smuggling network that utilized Ukrainian-made drones to transport hashish from Morocco into southern Spain.

Operation Details

The operation, dubbed "Operation Cyclone," was conducted by the Spanish National Police in collaboration with Europol, as well as law enforcement agencies from Ukraine and Poland. The investigation, which spanned over a year, culminated in the arrest of 10 individuals, with 7 of them already placed under temporary detention.

Use of Drones

The drones, manufactured in Ukraine, were transported by road to the southern regions of Spain, specifically to areas around Campo de Gibraltar and Costa del Sol. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were capable of carrying up to 10 kilograms of hashish per flight and had a range of approximately 50 kilometers. This allowed them to cross the Strait of Gibraltar, drop their payload in Spanish territory, and return to Morocco without needing to land.

Seizures and Arrests

During the operation, police conducted six searches in Algeciras and Marbella, resulting in the seizure of three drones, two of which were operational and one still under construction. Additionally, authorities confiscated devices for remote control, tools for repairing the drones, significant amounts of cash, and quantities of drugs intended for smuggling.

Historical Context

This is not the first instance of drug smugglers using innovative methods to evade law enforcement in the region. Previously, speedboats were commonly used, but their larger cargo capacity made them easier to intercept. In July 2021, a French organized crime group based in Costa del Sol was busted for using a large drone capable of carrying up to 150 kilograms of drugs, although it required landing to deliver the cargo. In 2022, a father and son in Cadiz were arrested for building underwater drones that could carry 150-200 kilograms of drugs and were sharing this technology with international criminal organizations.

Impact and Cooperation

The dismantling of this network highlights the ongoing struggle against drug smuggling in the Strait of Gibraltar, a region notorious for its narrow and easily traversable waterway between Morocco and Spain. The cooperation between Spanish, Ukrainian, and Polish law enforcement agencies underscores the importance of international collaboration in combating transnational crime.

For expats living in Spain, this operation serves as a reminder of the proactive measures being taken by local authorities to ensure public safety and security, particularly in regions prone to drug trafficking. The innovative use of drones by criminal organizations and the effective response by law enforcement demonstrate the evolving nature of this cat-and-mouse game.