Spanish society has found itself at the center of a high-profile investigation that could change perceptions of the scale of the drug trade in the country. A multi-layered operation by law enforcement has dismantled one of the most influential criminal networks supplying cocaine to Europe. What fuels interest in this story is not only the number of arrests and the volume of seized drugs, but also the details revealed during the investigation: an attempt to cover up a tragedy with a colossal sum of money and an elusive leader hiding abroad.
In November 2024, the Guadalquivir River became the scene of a real-life crime thriller. Five speedboats with smugglers on board tried to escape pursuit by a Guardia Civil patrol. During the chase, one boat crashed, disappeared into the reeds, and ran aground. Two suspects managed to flee, and a third, gravely injured, died on the spot. This incident might have faded into the long list of tragedies if not for what happened next: the family of the deceased was offered 12 million euros to keep silent. Investigators believe the offer came directly from the cartel boss himself, who controls immense financial resources.
A boundless network
The investigation uncovered an extensive network spanning not only Spain but also other countries in Europe and Africa. According to police, the organization managed to smuggle 57 tons of cocaine onto the continent, of which just over 10 tons were seized. The operation involved forces from various regions: CΓ‘diz, the Canary Islands, Galicia, MΓ‘laga, AlmerΓa, Ceuta, Girona, as well as Portugal. Among those arrested were maritime transport coordinators, logistics and supply managers, and individuals responsible for ground cover.
Over the course of a year, starting in November 2024, police systematically dismantled the cartelβs infrastructure. The operation, named βSombra Negra,β became one of the largest in recent years. During the first phase, held in the summer of 2025, 48 people were detained in Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura. The second wave of arrests took place in November, when another 57 suspects were apprehended in the Campo de Gibraltar area, including Algeciras, La LΓnea de la ConcepciΓ³n, and Jerez.
Technology and concealment
Investigators paid particular attention to one location that served as an organizational base. In a small shop in La LΓnea de la ConcepciΓ³n, mobile phones and marine equipment, including gear for speedboat crews, were sold under the guise of a legitimate business. Behind the storefront, the operation handled hundreds of thousands of euros, and the shop itself served as a front for coordinating cartel activities.
The scale of the technical equipment is striking: authorities seized 70 vehicles, 30 boats, three firearms, over β¬800,000 in cash, two hexacopter drones, more than 150 mobile phones, dozens of bank accounts, and state-of-the-art maritime communication and navigation equipment valued at around β¬2.5 million. Among the technology were signal jammers, Wi-Fi amplifiers, and satellite systems, enabling the cartel to carry out nighttime operations and stay off the police radar.
The pursuit of the ringleader
Despite the successes of the operation, a key playerβthe alleged leader of the organizationβremains at large. According to investigators, he moves between Dubai and Morocco, using his financial resources to evade justice. Police believe it was this man who was behind the attempt to ‘buy silence’ after the death of one of his men on the Guadalquivir.
Authorities are withholding details about the fugitiveβs identity to avoid hindering the ongoing investigation. However, they note that his influence and resources not only enabled large-scale drug shipments, but also allowed him to exert pressure on witnesses and participants in the crimes.
International cooperation
The operation became possible thanks to close cooperation between Spanish law enforcement and their international counterparts. Experts from the United Kingdom, the United States, Morocco, France, Portugal, Colombia, and Cape Verde took part in the investigation, along with representatives from Europol and Spanish intelligence agencies. Funding was partially provided by European internal security funds.
Since 2018, Spain has had a special plan to combat drug trafficking in the Gibraltar region, which was later expanded to other provinces. During this time, more than 37,000 operations have been carried out, over 30,000 people have been detained, and more than 2,000 tons of drugs have been seized. However, the current case stands out not only for its scale but also for the boldness of the methods used by the cartel members.
