Canary Islands Arrest Leader of Spain’s Top Drug Trafficking Network Active in Fuerteventura
The mastermind, known as “El Buque”, was considered a high‑value target for European police forces. The operation resulted in 17 arrests in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, La Gomera and Fuerteventura, 23 searches, and the seizure of 14 properties, 38 vehicles and 24 vessels.
National Police agents, in a joint operation with the Civil Guard, have detained the leader of one of Spain’s most active drug‑trafficking networks in the Canary Islands. The operation culminated in the arrest of 17 individuals, the execution of 23 searches, and the seizure of 14 real‑estate assets, 38 high‑end vehicles and 24 boats. The primary suspect, alias “El Buque”, was a top priority for European law‑enforcement agencies and is regarded as one of the most significant drug traffickers in the archipelago.
The capture of “El Buque” marks the climax of an investigation lasting more than a year, which completely dismantled the criminal structure and led to the arrest of all its members on drug‑trafficking and organized‑crime charges.
A Highly Sophisticated Network
The organization specialized in importing large quantities of cocaine into Spanish territory via vessels, employing sophisticated methods to conceal the drug. Each shipment could contain several tonnes of cocaine. As a result of the investigations, authorities seized approximately 100 kg of cocaine and another 100 kg of hashish, intercepted during two high‑sea pursuits. Additionally, 24 vessels were seized, six of which were directly linked to trafficking operations.
To date, 17 arrests have been carried out in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, La Gomera and Fuerteventura, alongside 23 searches of various properties and vessels. Confiscated assets include 14 real‑estate properties, 38 luxury vehicles, and substantial amounts of cash now held by the National Court. A large volume of electronic and documentary material has also been seized and is currently being analyzed.
International Collaboration
The operation was coordinated by the Central Investigative Court No. 6 of the National Court and the Special Anti‑Drug Prosecutor’s Office, with support from top‑tier international agencies, including the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Portugal’s Judicial Police, EUROPOL, the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre – Narcotics (MAOC‑N), and the Counter‑Terrorism and Organized Crime Intelligence Center (CITCO).
The involvement of these bodies proved essential for tracking the transnational movements of the network and intercepting critical communications that enabled authorities to anticipate high‑risk operations. The investigation remains open, and further arrests are not ruled out.