POLICE have busted a major hashish smuggling ring between Morocco and Spain, seizing more than 11 tonnes of the drug worth €60 million and arresting 10 suspected traffickers.
The twin operations in Malaga and Algeciras netted 11,125kg of cannabis resin hidden in melon shipments and bedroom furniture – the latest in a string of massive hauls that underline southern Spain’s status as Europe’s gateway for Moroccan hashish.
In July, officers launched their investigation after sharing intelligence with Moroccan authorities alerted them to a Spanish and Moroccan gang planning to ship goods through Algeciras – Spain’s busiest port.
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On September 10, surveillance team tracked a refrigerated truck as it left the ferry in Tangier. Two scout vehicles were watching for police checkpoints.
When officers stopped the convoy on Malaga’s outskirts, they found pallets of melons – and buried among the fruit, 9.3 tonnes of tightly wrapped hashish bricks. Six men, aged between 27 and 35, were arrested and held in custody.
A second team tracked a panel van in Malaga a few days later. Inside, officers discovered 1,825 kg of hashish concealed in bed bases, wardrobes and false floors, plus more than €14,000 in cash. Four other suspects were also arrested and taken to jail.
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The 11-tonne haul falls short of Spain’s previous record for cannabis seizures.
The Guardia Civil seized 48 tons at Algeciras in June 2015 and the police in Almeria seize 15.36 tonnes in August 2025.
The success of the operation was attributed to the unprecedented collaboration with Morocco in intelligence sharing and judicial approval of cross-border arrests.
Further arrests should be expected.
The Olive Press has more Algeciras News. Click here to read it.
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