Spanish police bust major hashish network, arrest 86 and capture gang leader in Tangier

Policia Nacional announced the collapse of a major hashish smuggling ring that moved the drug from Morocco into Spain. Authorities made 86 arrests in regions including Madrid, Guadalajara, Valencia, Malaga, Burgos, Almeria and Girona, and captured the alleged gang leader in Tangier on October 8 after he escaped from a Madrid estate in March. The coordinated raids uncovered almost 11 tonnes of hashish, 21.8 kg of marijuana, two rifles, four other weapons, 25 vehicles, 15 luxury watches and about €466,000 in cash.

Investigators said the network used encrypted messaging to direct imports, store the product in rented homes, and launder proceeds through fraudulent loans, false payrolls, bogus invoices and purchases of luxury assets. Seized hashish had been landed on the Spanish coast, moved to Madrid for safekeeping and then distributed throughout Spain and Europe. The case, launched last year, remains open with potential further arrests.