Spanish authorities have reported a major cocaine seizure, marking the second-largest in European history and one of the largest globally. Law enforcement intercepted 13 tonnes of cocaine concealed in a shipment of bananas from Ecuador to southern Spain.
The bust, announced by Spain’s national police force, underscores the scale of drug trafficking across Europe. “It’s clear these 13 tonnes weren’t solely for the Spanish market,” explained António Jesús Martínez, head of the central narcotics brigade. “This volume was meant for distribution throughout Europe.”
The container, arriving last month at the port of Algeciras from Guayaquil, Ecuador, was flagged for inspection due to the exporter’s prior record of illicit trafficking. The operation, coordinated with Ecuadorian authorities, led to five raids and one arrest—the partner in the company set to receive the shipment. Two managers involved remain at large, according to Martínez.
Previously, Spain’s largest cocaine seizure was 9.4 tonnes in 2023, also in Algeciras. In total, Spain intercepted 100 tonnes of cocaine last year, more than twice the amount in 2022.
European countries are facing a surge in hard drugs, with cocaine trafficked from Latin America being a primary concern. Germany recently made Europe’s largest recorded bust, seizing 35.5 tonnes of cocaine concealed in fruit and vegetable shipments after a tip from Colombian authorities.
In response to this growing threat, the EU launched the European Union Drug Agency (EUDA) this summer to combat organized drug networks. European Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson emphasized that drug trafficking now poses a threat on par with terrorism, and the agency will work with countries like Ecuador to disrupt criminal networks.
Meanwhile, drug production methods are shifting. Cocaine processing, traditionally confined to Latin America, is increasingly taking place within Europe itself. In 2022, 39 cocaine labs were dismantled across various EU countries, according to EUDA’s latest statistics.
7/11/2024
