In a significant report released during the opening of the judicial year at the Supreme Court in Madrid, the Spanish Prosecutor's Office has identified Morocco as the primary source of cannabis being smuggled into the Andalusian coast in southern Spain. This revelation comes at a time when drug trafficking networks are becoming increasingly active and sophisticated, with a notable rise in violence, the proliferation of weapons, and an expansion in cocaine trafficking.
The information was presented in the prosecutor's annual report for 2025, which underscores the gravity of drug trafficking as "the greatest threat" emanating from organized crime and serious offenses. The report highlights Spain's strategic position on global maritime drug trafficking routes, pointing out that cannabis cultivated in Morocco is entering through the Andalusian shores, while most cocaine from South America reaches Europe via ports.
Within the Andalusian region, Moroccan cannabis remains the most prevalent drug, yet authorities have reported a significant increase in seizures across various areas. For instance, in Huelva, authorities confiscated 63,103 kilograms of cannabis in 2025, a staggering rise from 20,975 kilograms in 2024, marking an increase of 201.8%. This notable surge in drug seizures is indicative of evolving smuggling methods, with the prosecutor's office mentioning the use of large trailers equipped with hollow beams as double floors, and tunnels dug under the border in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Furthermore, there has been an increase in the movement of fast boats from the Strait of Gibraltar towards the coasts of Huelva, Almería, and Málaga.
Concurrently, the prosecutor's office has observed a rise in cocaine trafficking, particularly in Cádiz, Seville, and Huelva. In the port of Algeciras, cocaine smuggling continues through containers, while semi-rigid boats are utilized in areas such as Barbate and Sanlúcar, transporting cocaine loaded from ships at sea. In Almería, the quantity of cocaine seized skyrocketed from 324 kilograms to 1,255 kilograms, representing an increase of 287%. Additionally, seizures of Moroccan hashish resin surpassed 18 tons, compared to approximately 4 tons the previous year, reflecting a 350% increase. The prosecutor attributes these changes to the shifting of landing points to neighboring geographical areas where networks anticipate less security pressure.
Moreover, fast boats, traditionally used for cannabis transport, are now increasingly employed for cocaine smuggling, as reported. The prosecutor has issued warnings regarding the escalating violence associated with drug networks in Andalusia, highlighting the emergence of professional organized crime groups that openly use their weapons not only against rival gangs but also against security forces.
In Cádiz, the report recorded 24 actions related to weapon possession, including the seizure of four AK-47 rifles in Jerez and Sanlúcar during three operations, along with automatic weapons and machine guns in areas like Barbate and Chiclana. Almería reported the confiscation of 78 firearms, including several machine guns and a rocket launcher, while Seville also noted an increase in weapon seizures, with a police officer sustaining serious injuries during an operation in "Coria del Río." The prosecutor concluded that the scale, complexity, and violence of drug networks have surpassed the available means to combat them, calling for an urgent and necessary enhancement of human, material, and legal resources, as the phenomenon "erodes the foundations of social peace."
As reported by aps.dz.
