Spanish Police Seize 25 Tons of Hashish Valued at €50 Million in Algeciras Port

On April 26, 2024, Spanish police made a record-breaking drug bust at the port of Algeciras, seizing 25 tons of hashish with an estimated street value of €50 million. The massive haul, concealed in a truck arriving from Morocco, marks the largest seizure of hashish in Spain since 2015.

The operation was carried out by the Civil Guard in collaboration with the Customs Surveillance Service of the Tax Agency. During a routine inspection, a police officer accompanied by a sniffer dog discovered the illicit cargo concealed in 22 wooden cabins inside the truck. The vehicle's documentation claimed it was transporting melons, but only a small quantity of the declared legal product was found.

The truck, bound for Perpignan, France, was flagged as suspicious by the alert Civil Guard agent and his canine partner. Upon further inspection, agents uncovered a staggering 25,000 kilos of hashish bales concealed within the truck's compartments. The driver, now the alleged perpetrator of a crime against public health, has been arrested and placed under judicial authority.

Why this matters: This seizure deals a significant blow to drug trafficking operations and highlights the ongoing efforts of Spanish authorities to combat the illicit drug trade. As a major entry point for drugs into Europe, Spain's strategic location and close proximity to Morocco make it a crucial battleground in the fight against international drug smuggling.

The Algeciras bust surpasses the previous record set in 2015, when nearly 48 tons of hashish were seized in the same port. "This seizure represents the largest haul of this substance by road traffic in Spain since 2015," stated a spokesperson for the Civil Guard. The successful operation underscores the vigilance and effectiveness of Spanish law enforcement in disrupting drug trafficking networks and safeguarding public health.

Key Takeaways

• Spanish police seized 25 tons of hashish worth €50M in Algeciras port.
• Hashish was concealed in a truck arriving from Morocco, the largest seizure since 2015.
• The operation was carried out by Civil Guard and Customs Surveillance Service.
• The seizure deals a significant blow to drug trafficking operations in Europe.
• Spain's strategic location makes it a crucial battleground against drug smuggling.