One of the largest anti-drug operations in recent years has been uncovered in Madrid. Following the arrest of a criminal group’s leader, police seized over one million euros in cash and discovered unusual details that surprised even seasoned investigators. This incident serves as a warning to residents of the capital and all of Spain: the drug trade is growing increasingly sophisticated and its scale poses greater risks to society.
According to El Pais, the arrest took place in February, when police tracked down a woman believed to be the head of the drug courier group. She attempted to flee her Madrid home, taking with her a large sum of money packed in bags and hidden both in the trunk and interior of a luxury car. At the same time, eleven more people were detained in the industrial area of Alcobendas, where officers found over three tons of cocaine, weapons, and communication equipment.
Cash with messages
Special attention was drawn to stacks of bills that were not only neatly packed but also decorated with hearts, smiley faces, and short messages about prosperity and love. Some notes included wishes for good luck and words of gratitude, which investigators believe was an attempt to give the criminal activity a kind of ‘spiritual’ meaning. Most bundles contained 50,000 euros each, and the cash was vacuum-sealed for easy transport and concealment.
A woman, around 47 years old, was responsible for the financial side of the operations. Investigators believe she led the group together with her former partner, who handled logistics. Two of her sons were among those detained. Police suspect someone in her inner circle warned her about the impending raid, allowing her to try to escape, but she didn’t get far.
A complex transport scheme
The group operated as a service for other drug traffickers, organizing shipments on demand. Cocaine was delivered from southern regions of Spain, mostly along rivers, and then transported to Madrid in convoys. To blend in, members posed as construction workers: they showed up at warehouses in work clothes and chose times when the streets were busy with people and traffic.
The investigation began back in mid-2024. At one point, the suspects left for the Netherlands to avoid surveillance, but later returned and resumed their activities. In July, police received information from colleagues in Sweden, Poland, and Portugal about a truck carrying drugs that was linked to the same warehouse in Alcobendas.
Techniques and disguise
During the searches, police found vehicles with hidden compartments for weapons and drugs. One of them—a black Audi—had a secret section for pistols and automatic rifles; another—a white car—was equipped for transporting cocaine. The drug packages were marked with colored tape and logos, and to mask the smell, they were treated with gasoline.
Among the seized items were a wetsuit with traces of mud and a Star Link satellite antenna, indicating the use of modern technology to maintain communication in remote areas. Investigators believe the suit may have been used to confirm cargo delivery under heightened secrecy.
Investigation continues
The operation, dubbed Tocada Space, is ongoing. Economic aspects of the case are being examined by a special financial crimes unit. Police are working to identify both the sender and intended recipient of the large cocaine shipment. According to El Pais, the detainees are already in custody, and investigators promise new details soon.
In recent years, Spain has seen a rise in major drug trafficking cases. In 2025, a group transporting over two tons of cocaine was arrested in Valencia, while in Andalusia, police seized a record haul of hashish. Such operations demonstrate that criminal networks are becoming increasingly resourceful, using advanced technology and carefully planned concealment. Authorities are tightening control over key transport routes to prevent similar incidents.
