Spanish police, with Europol’s support, have dismantled a criminal network that smuggled over 200 migrants and large quantities of drugs between Morocco and Spain, Europol announced Thursday.
Eight suspects, including the group’s leaders, were arrested in Algeciras, Ceuta, and Ibiza. Authorities seized cannabis, Clonazepam tablets, weapons, boats, and nearly €50,000 ($57,420) in cash.
Migrants paid up to €14,600 ($16,767) each to cross from Morocco to Algeciras via Ceuta in recreational boats. Once in Spain, they were housed in poor conditions, often under threat. The same vessels were used to transport cannabis into Spain and Clonazepam back to Morocco.
The network, run by Spanish and Moroccan nationals, had a three-tiered structure and is believed to have earned over €2.5 million ($2.87 million). Its Moroccan leadership operated from Ibiza. Minors were recruited as boat skippers, exposing them to exploitation and serious risk.
