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In Cadiz and Malaga 15 people were arrested for dismantling an illegal fuel supply network to narcoboats
E.Press
Friday, January 30, 2026 16:28
Guardia Civil agents stationed at Guadiaro in the Algeciras command in Cadiz Province have arrested 15 individuals. They are suspected members of a criminal organization allegedly committed to supplying fuel for drug-running boats, or ‘narco-lanchas.’ This practice is known as ‘petaqueo’ and operated in the provinces Cadiz & Malaga.
According to an Algeciras Guardia Civil statement, the investigation began 10 January following an initial encounter where the Guardia Civil was able to stop an attempt by a narco boat to refuel in the Guadiaro Riverbed (Campo de Gibraltar).
During this interception 60 fuel canisters have been seized. Fuel that the perpetrators had allegedly intended to transport by inflatable boat.
In the course of their investigation, the officers intercepted this same criminal group again as they drove a van with 3,500 litres fuel that they were transporting to the same end. Further, there were no safety precautions in place when the fuel was transported, which created a serious danger of fire or explosion to the public.
Two house searches followed in the towns Jimena de la Frontera, and Puerto Real in Cadiz. More than 8,000 litres were seized in canisters, which were stored inside houses that the criminal group used as “nurseries”.
Seven more members of a criminal organization were arrested in the early morning hours of 23rd January as they attempted to load over 5,000 litres fuel into a van.
Final results
The operation ended with the arrests of 15 people. Also, 19,450 litres fuel were seized, along with boats, motors, and other items used to support the drug trafficking logistics, including motor oils, fuel filters, thermal and waterproof clothing, and motor oil.
The detainees and the items seized were presented to the authorities. Seven of the detainees were ordered to remain in custody.
These types of activities constitute several criminal offences as they violate safety regulations relating to the transport, possession and storage of dangerous, explosive and flammable substances, done without the legally required authorisations and with serious risk to the public, as stated in a recent ruling by Andalucía’s high court of justice (TSJA).
