فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
In a significant security achievement highlighting the depth of partnership between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Kingdom of Spain in combating organized crime, Spain’s National Police announced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the dismantling of two international criminal organizations specialized in cannabis trafficking. The operation was carried out jointly with Morocco’s General Directorate of National Security, under the supervision of the Public Prosecutor’s Office at the Tangier Court of Appeal. The operation resulted in the seizure of 20 tons of cannabis, the arrest of 20 individuals, and the confiscation of weapons and assets, underscoring the effectiveness of intelligence sharing and operational coordination between the two countries. This report details the operation, its outcomes, and the strategic context, relying on official published data to ensure accuracy and objectivity.
Details of the Joint Operation and Execution Mechanism
The investigation began based on intelligence shared with Moroccan authorities, which enabled the identification of two convoys of refrigerated trucks suspected of transporting large quantities of drugs hidden within agricultural pepper shipments. The operation unfolded over three days, concluding on October 21, 2025, and included phases of meticulous surveillance and rapid field interventions.
- First phase in the Cadiz region: The first convoy was intercepted in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, where inspections revealed 12 tons of cannabis concealed in double cavities behind pepper crates. The intervention led to the arrest of 15 individuals and the seizure of trucks and trailers.
- Second phase in the Granada region: Three days later, a similar operation resulted in the seizure of an additional 8 tons of cannabis and the arrest of five more suspects, with a focus on agricultural shipments as a smuggling method.
In total, 20 tons of cannabis were seized, and all arrested individuals were placed in custody on charges related to drug trafficking and membership in a criminal organization, in accordance with relevant Spanish and Moroccan laws.
Results and Additional Seizures
Comprehensive searches led to the confiscation of nine vehicles, including refrigerated trucks and trailers, as well as an automatic weapon and over 7,000 euros in cash, indicating the complexity of the criminal networks and their links to armed activities. These results reinforce the effectiveness of joint efforts in reducing the flow of drugs across the Strait of Gibraltar, a major transit route for illicit trafficking between Africa and Europe.
Strategic Context of Moroccan-Spanish Cooperation
Spain’s National Police praised this cooperation, describing it as “evidence of the high level of security collaboration between Morocco and Spain, based on mutual trust, effective coordination, and a shared determination to combat transnational criminal networks.” This achievement comes within the framework of a broader joint strategy, as Moroccan-Spanish security cooperation has previously yielded successful results in drug trafficking interdiction, with thousands of tons seized annually, according to Europol’s 2024 reports. The coordination also reflects commitment to international agreements, such as the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (Palermo Convention).
Conclusion
The dismantling of these two networks marks a decisive step in efforts to combat drug trafficking, supported by exemplary security cooperation between Morocco and Spain, thereby strengthening regional stability and public safety. This coordination is expected to continue in addressing future challenges, with a focus on enhancing intelligence and judicial capabilities to ensure sustainable results.
