Record Cocaine Seizure in Spain
In a significant drug bust, Spanish police announced the seizure of 13 tonnes of cocaine hidden in a shipment of bananas at the port of Algeciras. The operation, which took place on October 14, marks the largest seizure in the history of drug trafficking in Spain and the second largest in Europe for a single container. The cocaine was concealed in packages within banana crates, with the fruit placed on top to obscure the drugs from detection. The shipment originated from the port of Guayaquil, Ecuador, and was destined for a Spanish importer known for receiving large quantities of fruit from the South American country.
International Cooperation Leads to Discovery
The successful operation was made possible through close collaboration with the National Police of Ecuador, which provided crucial information that prompted the Spanish authorities to investigate the shipment. Ecuador has emerged as a key point of origin for cocaine, with its ports increasingly used by international drug cartels. This seizure follows a previous record set in August 2023 when 9.5 tonnes of cocaine were found in another container from Ecuador. In July, Ecuadorian authorities had also intercepted 6 tonnes of cocaine intended for Spain, highlighting the ongoing drug trafficking challenges in the region.
Ongoing Investigations and Arrests
Following the seizure, Spanish police conducted searches in several locations, including Madrid and Alicante. They arrested a woman linked to the importing company, while two other managers are currently on the run. The exporter involved in this shipment has a documented history of illicit trafficking, raising concerns about the extent of drug operations connected to this case. The authorities continue to investigate the networks involved in this large-scale drug trafficking operation.
