Spanish police have seized more than 11 tonnes of hashish during two separate operations on the Costa del Sol.
A total of 10 suspects were arrested in the investigations, which targeted drug shipments arriving via ferry from Tangier to Algeciras and headed to Malaga.
The drugs were smuggled in shipments disguised as melons and furniture, using decoy vehicles to evade detection.
Melons hiding 9.3 tonnes of hash
The first investigation began in July when police identified a suspected criminal organisation operating between Morocco and Spain. Officers believed the group was preparing to use commercial freight vehicles to move hashish across the Strait of Gibraltar.
On September 10, investigators tracked a refrigerated lorry that had disembarked in Algeciras the day before and arrived in Malaga. It was escorted by two ‘scout cars’ – used to check for police presence and help the lorry avoid detection.
When police intercepted the truck, they discovered pallets of melons concealing 9.3 tonnes of hashish.
Six people were arrested. Officers also seized the lorry, its trailer, and the two escort vehicles.
Furniture van conceals drug stash
A second, unrelated operation began in August after authorities received intelligence about a van that would be used to smuggle drugs hidden in furniture. The van also travelled from Tangier to Algeciras by ferry and was tracked as it continued to Malaga.
Again, police identified a lookout vehicle with two occupants driving ahead to warn the van of potential checkpoints or police patrols.
Once stopped, the van was found to contain hashish packed in burlap sacks, shrink-wrapped bundles, and hidden compartments built into the floor.
In total, officers seized 1,825 kilograms of hashish, €14,000 in cash, four vehicles, and eight mobile phones. Four individuals were arrested in connection with this operation.
Prison and charges
All ten detainees are facing charges of drug trafficking and membership in a criminal organisation. They have been remanded in pre-trial custody following a court hearing.
Cross-border cooperation
Both operations were conducted in coordination with Morocco’s General Directorate of National Security and its judicial authorities. The investigations were overseen by Spain’s Anti-Drug Prosecutor’s Office and the courts of the Campo de Gibraltar.
