Europol Cracks Down on Smuggling Ring

Europol, in collaboration with Spanish authorities, has dismantled a sophisticated criminal network involved in migrant smuggling and drug trafficking between Spain and Morocco. The operation resulted in eight arrests, including the ring leaders, and significant seizures of drugs, cash, and equipment.

The network, which had reportedly smuggled over 200 migrants and gained profits exceeding EUR 2.5 million, was targeted by Spanish Policía Nacional with Europol’s support. Arrests were made in Algeciras, Ceuta, and Ibiza, alongside the seizure of 22 kilos of cannabis, 10,800 tablets of a drug used in a dangerous hallucinogenic mix, and nearly EUR 50,000 in cash. Additional seizures included vehicles, boats, weapons, and electronic devices.

Europol’s involvement was crucial, providing expertise and analysis, as well as deploying an analyst to coordinate on the ground. The criminal organization charged migrants up to EUR 14,600 for passage from Morocco to Spain, where they faced poor living conditions. The same vessels used for smuggling people also transported large quantities of cannabis resin.

The operation uncovered the use of minors as skippers, highlighting the exploitative practices of the network. The gang’s activities underscored the complex challenge of migrant smuggling, which Europol identifies as a significant security threat with widespread social implications in the EU.