A Dutch organised crime gang who traded MDMA for cocaine with South American cartels has been dismantled on the Costa del Sol.
At least 15 people have been arrested across Torremolinos, Marbella, Fuengirola, Mijas, Estepona and elsewhere.
It came after police seized almost one tonne of MDMA destined for Latin America, in what was Europe’s largest known seizure of the drug.
The cell from the Netherlands is accused of trafficking synthetic drugs by hiding them in heavy duty vehicles, including cranes, as well as laundering their illicit proceeds.
Investigators say the gang planned to ship the drugs from Europe to Ghana, where they would be swapped for cocaine before the cocaine was smuggled back into Europe through Spanish ports.
The investigation began in early 2025 after officers identified a group of Dutch nationals living on the Costa del Sol who were allegedly coordinating large-scale drug shipments from Spain and the Netherlands to Africa.
The organisation is believed to have used Ghana as a transit point before the drugs reached several Latin American countries, where the MDMA was intended to be exchanged directly for cocaine.
MDMA hidden inside crane
The investigation intensified after several of the suspected ringleaders moved to the Netherlands, prompting the creation of a joint investigation team between Spanish and Dutch authorities.
Officers eventually discovered that the gang planned to conceal a huge consignment of synthetic drugs inside a crane that was due to leave the port of Antwerp bound for Ghana.
On January 28, 2026, police in both countries carried out coordinated raids, preventing the shipment from leaving Europe.
In total, officers seized:
- 859kg of MDMA
- 88kg of ecstasy tablets
- 644 marijuana plants
- More than 5kg of cannabis buds
- 1.3kg of hashish
- 34 cannabis-derived products
- More than €46,000 in cash
- Three firearms
- Three luxury vehicles
- Five luxury watches
Police also dismantled three indoor cannabis plantations.
Costa del Sol gang
Investigators say the organisation financed much of its criminal activity by regularly transporting marijuana from the Costa del Sol to other European countries using hidden compartments inside vehicles and international transport companies.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 15 suspects in Torremolinos (5), Fuengirola (3), Marbella (1), Estepona (1), Mijas (1), Sevilla (1), The Netherlands (3).
They are suspected of offences including drug trafficking, membership of a criminal organisation, illegal possession of firearms and electricity fraud linked to cannabis cultivation.
Twelve of those arrested have been remanded in custody pending further proceedings.
Police say the investigation remains ongoing and have not ruled out further arrests.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
