Spanish police, supported by international forces, exposed a complex smuggling operation that transported cocaine via speedboats from South America to the Canary Islands. The arrests and seizures mark a pivotal moment in the fight against drug trafficking in Europe.
Major Cocaine Trafficking Network Dismantled in the Canary Islands
Major Cocaine Trafficking Network Dismantled in the Canary Islands
A significant crackdown on a cocaine smuggling operation resulted in the arrest of 48 suspects and the seizure of nearly four tonnes of cocaine in the Canary Islands.
Police have announced the dismantling of a substantial cocaine smuggling operation in the Canary Islands, resulting in the arrest of 48 suspects and the confiscation of nearly four tonnes of cocaine. The smuggling network utilized a fleet of speedboats to transport cocaine from South America, mainly Brazil and Colombia, to the Spanish islands of Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote.
The operation, dubbed "Operation Black Shadow," involved coordination among law enforcement agencies from Europe, the UK, South America, and the US. Spanish authorities reported that the criminal organization used 11 narco boats for their illicit activities and even employed an abandoned shipwreck as a refuelling station during crossings of the Atlantic Ocean.
Europol shared that operatives relied on sophisticated encrypted communication systems to evade detection, including the use of satellite technology, difficult-to-trace telephones, and coded language to coordinate their operations effectively. The successful raids came after months of meticulous planning, leading to searches of 29 properties, the seizure of 69 vehicles - including boats and jet skis, and the recovery of cash totaling around €100,000 (£84,000/$114,000) alongside firearms.
Spanish police declared the operation had effectively dismantled one of the largest criminal organizations focused on cocaine trafficking. Furthermore, authorities identified a local distribution network within the Canary Islands responsible for trafficking the drugs once they reached European shores.
The raids demonstrate the ongoing battle against international drug trafficking, which poses a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies as Europe remains a prime market for narcotics transported from South America. Prior to these raids, police had previously intercepted substantial drug shipments heading for the islands, highlighting the region's vulnerability to such illicit activities.
