Spain’s Largest Drug Seizure: Over 700 kg of Various Drugs Confiscated

Massive Drug Seizure by Spanish Authorities

In a historic operation, Spanish police have successfully confiscated over 700 kilograms of various drugs, including more than one million ecstasy pills, marking the largest drug seizure of its kind in Spain’s history. The Guardia Civil also seized a staggering 212 kg of ketamine, 73 kg of MDMA, 21 kg of pink cocaine, 20 kg of cocaine, 10 kg of hashish, 6 kg of marijuana, and 3 kg of sugar, which is commonly used in the production of cocaine. Authorities estimate the total value of the seized substances to exceed €25 million.

In a statement, law enforcement officials reported the arrest of nine suspects linked to this extensive operation, identifying them as members of “one of the principal synthetic drug trafficking organizations operating in Spain.” The arrested individuals hailed from various nationalities, including Spanish, Italian, and Dutch.

The final phase of this extensive investigation, dubbed ‘Operation Adriatic’, culminated on September 5th with coordinated raids across eight locations in Ibiza and two in Malaga. The investigation initially commenced in late April when authorities uncovered the existence of an organized group dedicated to smuggling drugs into Ibiza.

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Just a month prior to this operation, Spanish authorities apprehended five individuals and confiscated more than 1,000 marijuana plants as part of a crackdown on a trafficking network that was distributing marijuana from Spain to Germany. This network employed parcel companies to transport their illicit products.

Law enforcement agents executed a series of searches across four towns in the Madrid region: Argan del Rey, Arroyomolinos, Serranillos del Valle, and Torrejon de Ardoz. They successfully dismantled two marijuana plantations and a sophisticated drug packaging facility. The criminal organization utilized a complex system of small plantations dispersed throughout the Madrid region, ensuring a continuous supply of narcotics for distribution to Germany.

Cocaine Disguised in Banana Containers

In a related event last October, the Guardia Civil announced a significant seizure of nearly 720 kg of cocaine that had originated from Costa Rica. The drugs were cleverly concealed within a safe buried beneath piles of metal scraps in a shipping container. Authorities arrested eight individuals in connection with this drug bust, although their identities have not been publicly disclosed.

According to data from 2020, Spain ranked as the third European country for the volume of cocaine seized at its ports, with a total of 26 tonnes confiscated. This places Spain behind Belgium, which seized 69 tonnes, and the Netherlands with 45 tonnes.