National Police Expose Complex Smuggling Tunnel
The Spanish Ministry of the Interior has released compelling images of a sophisticated smuggling tunnel, commonly referred to as a 'narcotunnel,' located in Ceuta. This remarkable structure, meticulously excavated from rock, features a vaulted ceiling and is partially inundated with groundwater, enabling the illicit transport of up to two tons of hashish weekly from Morocco. A video shared by the National Police on their official X profile captures a 67-second journey through this underground passageway, which boasts a height of 1.20 meters and a width of 80 centimeters, showcasing its intricate technical design.
The footage provides a glimpse into the tunnel's interior, where the sharp beeping of gas detectors utilized by the underground agents can be heard, along with the increasingly intense sound of dripping water. The gallery displays curvature and is supported by struts to prevent collapses, with water filtering abundantly through the walls in various sections along the route. The entrance to this clandestine passageway was cleverly concealed within a warehouse located just ten meters from the border fence with Morocco. Officers had to move a large refrigerator to uncover a door leading to a second soundproofed warehouse, where the Drug and Organized Crime Unit (UDYCO) identified clear signs of recent construction on the floor.
Upon removing a layer of cement, investigators discovered a hatch that provided access to a three-tiered passageway. The first level served as the access gallery, descending 19 meters into the ground. The second, dubbed by the agents as the 'narcostash,' consisted of a spacious hole where bundles of hashish were stacked on pallets before being transported outside. The third level connected with Moroccan territory, although the total length and exit point of this segment remain undetermined.
According to police sources, Moroccan authorities are actively collaborating in the investigation. Just a week after the tunnel's discovery, Spanish police met with Moroccan officials who are probing the use of this infrastructure on their side of the border. As a precautionary measure, Moroccan authorities have blocked off part of the tunnel that runs through their territory to prevent future use.
Operation Ares: A Major Blow to Drug Trafficking
The operation, allegedly spearheaded by Moroccan businessman Mustapha Chairi Brouzi, equipped the tunnel with a sophisticated system of pulleys, cranes, rails, and two carts, allowing for the seamless movement of hashish pallets without any personnel on either end needing to meet, thereby enhancing security during potential police raids. Furthermore, to maintain the tunnel's operability in a groundwater-heavy area, two powerful dewatering pumps were installed, operating continuously, and the warehouse was soundproofed to avoid raising suspicions. The police investigation is ongoing, with agents analyzing the contents of devices and documentation seized during the raids conducted on March 27, and they continue to pursue leads related to money laundering. Additional arrests are not ruled out in the coming weeks.
On the day of the operation, known as Operation Ares, 27 individuals were detained. During the investigation, law enforcement seized 17 tons of hashish, 88 kilograms of cocaine, and 1.4 million euros in cash. The implications of this discovery highlight the extensive and organized nature of drug trafficking in the region.
As reported by periodicodeibiza.es.
