A major drug trafficking gang that used high-capacity drones and specially modified vehicles to smuggle narcotics from Morocco into Spain and France has been busted.

The operation led by the Policia Nacional and codenamed Horus led to the arrest of eight people following simultaneous raids in Algeciras and Alava.

According to the force, the investigation began in 2025 and uncovered a criminal network using large fixed-wing drones to transport hashish and cocaine across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Investigators say the unmanned aircraft flew drugs from Morocco into southern Spain before the narcotics were hidden inside vehicles equipped with sophisticated concealed compartments.

The organisation then transported the drugs north to Vitoria-Gasteiz, where the shipments were distributed to French criminal groups involved in European drug trafficking.

During the operation, police seized one of the drones allegedly used by the network.

The aircraft had a wingspan of around four metres, four engines and the capacity to carry up to 20kg of drugs.

Authorities said the drones were capable of crossing the Strait of Gibraltar within minutes at speeds exceeding 100km/hr.

The final phase of the operation, overseen by the investigating court in Algeciras, included multiple property searches.

Officers seized 40 kilograms of hashish, two kilograms of cocaine, two vehicles, approximately €14,000 in cash, the drone itself and various items linked to the trafficking operation.

Police described the operation as a significant blow against criminal organisations increasingly using advanced technology to move drugs through the Strait of Gibraltar corridor.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.