Spanish police break up gang that used swimmers to hide cocaine on ships

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Sam Jones in MadridJanuary 15, 2026 at 08:27 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Spanish police dismantled a criminal network in an operation that began in October 2024, arresting 30 people and seizing nearly 2.5 tonnes of cocaine. The network smuggled cocaine from Colombia into Spain using a "monkey" technique, where young swimmers hid drugs on Europe-bound ships. Other gang members would then intercept the ships before they reached port to retrieve the drugs. The investigation revealed the involvement of three gangs, including a Balkan cartel, who used methods such as armed stowaways and speedboats to extract the cocaine. The drugs were then concealed in towns along the Gulf of Cádiz before being transported to other European countries. In addition to the cocaine, police confiscated weapons, nautical equipment, vehicles, and over €166,000.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Portugal 40% Mijas 40% Gibraltar 40% Cádiz ×250% Europe 60% Policía Nacional 60% Balkan Cartel ×270% Colombia ×270% Spain ×280% Spanish Police ×290%

Keywords

cocaine trafficking 100% drug smuggling 90% maritime drug transport 80% swimmers 70% container ships 70% stowaways 60% speedboats 50% drop-off method 50% balkan cartel 50% spanish police 40%