Major Cannabis Trafficking Network Busted in Tangier, Morocco
In a significant operation, Moroccan authorities have apprehended the head of a large cannabis trafficking network operating between Morocco and Spain in the city of Tangier. This crackdown resulted not only in the capture of the network's leader but also led to the arrest of 86 individuals across seven Spanish provinces, along with the seizure of an impressive 10.8 tons of cannabis resin. The Spanish police announced that the network's chief was captured on October 8, having been on the run since March after abandoning his luxurious residence in Madrid. Currently, he is in custody in Morocco, awaiting extradition proceedings to Spain.
The trafficking organization, based in Spain, was reportedly moving thousands of kilograms of cannabis from Morocco to the Spanish coast each month. Once in Spain, these shipments were stored in Madrid before being distributed throughout the country and into other parts of Europe. The leader of this operation was responsible for negotiating with suppliers, overseeing transport operations, managing the acquisition of vehicles and real estate, and orchestrating the receipt, surveillance, and distribution of narcotics.
The arrests took place in various Spanish cities, including 65 in Madrid, 10 in Guadalajara, five in Valencia, three in Malaga, and one each in Burgos, Almería, and Girona. The suspects face serious charges, including belonging to a criminal organization, drug trafficking, and money laundering. A total of 18 of those arrested are currently in provisional detention as ordered by the judge overseeing the national audience's investigation.
In conjunction with the arrests, authorities dismantled seven drug storage sites and conducted 33 searches, which uncovered not only cannabis but also an additional 21.8 kilograms of marijuana, two rifles, four other prohibited firearms, 25 vehicles, 15 luxury watches, and approximately 466,000 euros in cash.
This investigation, which began in early 2025, highlighted how the leaders of the network utilized encrypted messaging services to coordinate smuggling and storage operations. The illicit profits were laundered through various methods, including fictitious loans with straw men, fake salaries, false invoices from shell companies, and the purchase and resale of luxury cars and real estate. The investigation remains ongoing, with the potential for additional arrests and further seizures in the pipeline.
As reported by yabiladi.com.
