Police first found storage sites in flats in Las Tablas, Sanchinarro and El Cañaveral in Madrid, as well as an industrial unit in Silla, Valencia. Investigators traced the network’s shipments from Spain’s southern coast, including Málaga, to storage properties in Madrid. The investigation eventually led officers to the alleged leader in Tangier.
The man, identified in reports as Juan Carlos T. B., alias “Moreno,” had been a fugitive since March 2026, when he left his home in a luxury Madrid development during an earlier wave of arrests. He was located and detained in Tangier on 8 October under an international detention order. At the time of the report, he was in prison in Morocco pending extradition to Spain, following cooperation between Spanish and Moroccan authorities.
The other 86 suspects were arrested across seven Spanish provinces. Madrid accounted for 65 arrests and Guadalajara for 10. Valencia had five, while Málaga had three. There was one arrest in Burgos, and Almería and Girona each accounted for one. Europa Press reported the figures.
The separate investigation is unrelated to a Madrid home-intrusion case involving three people in custody. In this operation, 18 of the accused were remanded in custody by order of the Audiencia Nacional judge directing the case. They face alleged offences including membership of a criminal organisation, drug trafficking and money laundering.
The alleged leader managed the network’s logistics, negotiating with suppliers in Morocco and planning sea and road shipments. He also arranged the purchase of vehicles and properties used to store drugs. He coordinated those responsible for collection, transport, custody and distribution. The network was based in Spain and allegedly brought in thousands of kilos each month from North Africa for distribution in Spain and other European countries.
The Unidad Central de Drogas y Crimen Organizado (Udyco) began its investigation in early 2025, with the operation unfolding in several phases. Officers carried out 33 searches: 23 in Madrid, seven in Guadalajara, two in Málaga and one in Valencia. They dismantled seven storage sites and seized 10.8 tonnes of hashish, along with 21.8 kilograms of marijuana. The haul also included two long guns and four other prohibited weapons.
Police also seized 25 vehicles, 15 luxury watches and almost €466,000 in cash. The final phase of the operation followed the alleged leader’s arrest in Tangier on 8 October. The Policía Nacional announced the operation’s completion on 27 October 2026. The suspects were investigated on allegations of criminal-organisation membership, drug trafficking and money laundering. Police said the inquiry remained open when they reported the arrests, and further detentions or seizures had not been ruled out.
