The Underbelly of Hashish Trade in Spain
In a revealing exposé, Equipo de Investigación gained access in 2015 to one of the massive marijuana plantations located in northern Morocco, where more than 27,000 hectares are cultivated specifically for hashish production that ultimately finds its way into the Spanish market. This extensive operation and its implications are thoroughly explored, showcasing the first glimpse of the hashish that is consumed in Spain: "What nobody wants to show on camera." The route through which this illicit substance reaches Spain is primarily the Guadalquivir pathway in the Campo de Gibraltar region, highlighting the intricate and often hidden pathways of drug trafficking.
As part of their special report on the Hashish Route, the investigative team traveled to this North African country to uncover the origins of narcotics trafficking, aiming to reveal the aspects that remain concealed from public view. Their findings indicate that in the area around Ketama, approximately 27,000 hectares are dedicated to the cultivation of cannabis. Although the cultivation itself is legal, the subsequent processes surrounding it are shrouded in illegality and risk.
The journalists discovered that the hashish industry is a significant enterprise in Morocco, with one local resident describing it as a vast chain that sustains many livelihoods: "Everyone relies on it for their income," he confessed. This sentiment reflects the deep entrenchment of the hashish economy within the community, where individuals often find themselves drawn into the trade as a means of survival.
One resident from San Lúcar de Barrameda recounted to Equipo de Investigación in 2015 how he became involved in this world after struggling to make a living in various sectors. "I had to turn to other things," he admitted, underscoring the desperate measures some individuals take in the face of economic hardship.
As reported by amp.lasexta.com.
