The Spanish National Police, in coordination with Europol, have dismantled a criminal network operating between Morocco and Spain that was involved in smuggling at least 200 Moroccan migrants and drugs, mainly hashish and psychotropic pills. According to official sources, the network used fiberglass boats, often piloted by minors, to transport both people and drugs across the Strait of Gibraltar in so-called «mixed cargo» operations. The group was based in Ceuta and Algeciras (Cádiz), offering migrants an all-inclusive package that covered transport and accommodation, with prices reaching up to €14,600. Police estimate that profits from human smuggling alone exceeded €2.5 million. The operation led to the arrest of eight individuals, including one minor, and the seizure of 22 kilograms of hashish and 10,800 clonazepam pills used in the production of «karkoubi». One of the main raids was carried out in the El Príncipe neighborhood of Ceuta. Investigators found that the network temporarily housed migrants in the city of Fnideq before moving them by sea to Ceuta, either in poorly maintained boats or by having them swim using underwater scooters. Once in Ceuta, migrants were held in «safe apartments» until the full payment was made. In addition to smuggling people, the boats were also used to transport drugs, despite having no safety measures. These journeys were extremely dangerous due to overcrowding and the heavy loads being carried. The leadership of the network was traced to two individuals, one based in Ibiza and the other in Ceuta, who oversaw the financial and strategic operations. They have both been placed in pre-trial detention, along with a third suspect.
