Spain and Morocco Jointly Dismantle Drug Trafficking Network Utilizing Helicopters

In a significant joint operation, Spanish Civil Guard and Morocco's Royal Gendarmerie have successfully dismantled a drug trafficking ring operating between Spain and Morocco. The operation led to the arrest of nine individuals and the seizure of two helicopters, culminating from an investigation that spanned several months.

The criminal gang, known for its sophisticated operation involving the transport of Hashish between Morocco and Spain, was brought down through effective police collaboration between the two nations.

Utilizing helicopters to fly at low altitudes, the network smuggled Hashish from Morocco to the Spanish cities of Seville and Cadiz. The operation saw the arrest of two pilots proficient in night flying, as confirmed by the Civil Guard. These pilots were part of a scheme that saw the interception of two helicopters and the confiscation of 795 kilograms of Hashish.

The successful operation, code-named "Torcal 469 Tornado," began in mid-2023 with the surveillance of a gang member. The investigation revealed the gang's search for pilots capable of conducting "narco flights" between the two countries, according to Efe, a Spanish news agency.

Police sources indicated that the helicopters, procured from Eastern European countries, are estimated to have a black market value close to 900,000 euros. Each helicopter had the capacity to transport up to 900 kilograms of Hashish.

Further investigation led to the discovery of the hidden locations of the helicopters used in the drug trafficking operations. One was located on a farm in the province of Seville and the other in Cadiz, both rented by the head of the organization.

In the early hours of January 15, investigators detected one such drug trafficking flight in the province of Cadiz, originating from the organization's farm and flying south at an extremely low altitude without lights.

This prompted a large-scale operation by both the Spanish Civil Guard and the Moroccan Royal Gendarmerie, involving several rapid intervention units. The operation resulted in the capture of five gang members, including the pilot, the seizure of 30 batches of Hashish weighing 795 kilograms in total, and three vehicles used by the network.

That night, another gang member died in a road accident while attempting to escape. Subsequent searches and raids led to the arrest of four more individuals and the seizure of a second helicopter.