A political scandal is brewing in Ceuta, dominating the front pages of the Spanish media for several months. Mohamed Ali Douas, a local Assembly member, has found himself at the center of a sensational case involving drug trafficking and a mysterious tunnel leading to Morocco. After spending nearly a year behind bars, he unexpectedly announced his departure from the party, but chose not to give up his parliamentary seat. This decision has sparked intense debate among politicians and residents of the city.
Douas was arrested in January 2025 during a major anti-drug trafficking operation. Law enforcement was drawn to a tunnel connecting Ceuta to Moroccan territory, which investigators believe was used to transport illegal substances. Alongside the deputy, his brother, nephew, and several law enforcement officers were also detained. The story immediately became a sensation, as it involved not only a criminal network but also implicated public officials.
Arrest and aftermath
Douas spent almost eleven months in custody, all the while retaining his status as a deputy. His release became possible only after a substantial bail was posted—20,000 euros. Although he was temporarily suspended from his position in the penitentiary system, Douas was in no hurry to step down and continued to hold his seat in the Assembly. This decision puzzled many colleagues and sparked heated debates in political circles.
Tensions rise in the Ceuta Assembly as there are now six deputies unaffiliated with any faction. The regulations prevent them from forming their own group, even if their numbers surpass those of other parties. As a result, the balance of power in the local parliament is at risk, and trust in the authorities is under serious scrutiny.
The tunnel and the drug trade
The operation that led to Duas’s arrest was codenamed ‘Hades’. Investigators discovered that the criminal network had used a carefully concealed tunnel over 50 meters long, connecting Ceuta to Morocco. According to the investigation, large shipments of drugs were regularly smuggled through this underground passage. The case involves not only politicians but also members of law enforcement, adding further seriousness to the situation.
According to investigators, Duas and his relatives provided financing and logistics for drug traffickers. After the arrests of the deputy, his family members, and three officers of the Civil Guard, it became clear that authorities were dealing with a large-scale, well-organized criminal structure. However, despite all accusations, Duas continues to insist on his innocence and has no intention of voluntarily leaving the political scene.
Political repercussions
Duas’s departure from the Movimiento por la Dignidad y la Ciudadanía de Ceuta (MDyC) came as a surprise to many. He officially notified the Assembly of his decision and is now listed as an independent deputy. This event dealt another blow to the party’s reputation, which was already going through a difficult period. The Assembly has become even more fragmented: the Partido Popular (PP) now holds nine seats, the Socialists (PSOE) and Vox have three each, MDyC and Ceuta Ya! have two each, and the number of independents has reached six.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that several deputies had already left their parties before, boosting the ranks of independents. Among them are former members of the PSOE and Vox. As a result, the Assembly is now in a position where no faction can rely on a stable majority, making decision-making even more difficult.
Unanswered questions
The story involving the tunnel and arrests in Ceuta has vividly demonstrated how vulnerable local political and law enforcement structures are to organized crime. The question of how long Duas will be able to hold onto his seat remains open. His case has not yet gone to court, which means the intrigue surrounding this story continues to grow.
All of this has led residents of Ceuta and Spain as a whole to raise natural questions: how could such schemes exist for so long, why were measures not taken in time, and who else might be involved in this affair. For now, all that remains is to follow the unfolding developments and await new details, which will no doubt continue to surprise the public.
