Over two tonnes of cocaine seized from a network also active in Fuerteventura
The ringleader is a nightlife entrepreneur; the organization used “mother ships” to bring drugs from South America and Africa. – Europapress
Massive Crackdown
The Spanish Tax Agency and the Civil Guard, under the operation code‑named “Silbo,” have dismantled one of the most active criminal groups centered in the Canary Islands. The joint effort led to the arrest of 34 individuals (18 already in prison) after around 40 raids across various locations in Spain.
The investigation, launched more than two years ago by the Customs Surveillance Service of the Tax Agency and the Central Operational Unit (UCO) of the Civil Guard, was accelerated in recent weeks with several raids in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It was carried out with the collaboration of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Judicial Police of Cape Verde, and coordinated by Europol.
Geographic Scope
- Canary Islands: Tenerife, La Gomera, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura
- Mainland Spain: Madrid, Barcelona, Pontevedra, A Coruña, Málaga
The Ringleader
Investigators focused on a 42‑year‑old businessman from Tenerife who is involved in nightlife, catering, construction, and holds several overseas companies. He allegedly used his legitimate enterprises to direct a sophisticated criminal network that smuggled large drug consignments regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Cocaine Shipments via Mother Ships
- January 2024: 500 kg of cocaine intercepted en route to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, transferred from a South American vessel.
- November 2024: 1,600 kg of cocaine seized in a similar operation.
In the latter case, the leader arranged a fishing boat in Guinea‑Bissau, together with a Galician associate, to import the drug along the so‑called “African cocaine route.”
Hashish Trafficking to the United Kingdom
The group also maintained maritime and land infrastructure on other islands to receive substantial hashish shipments from Morocco, which were then exported to the United Kingdom for rapid profit. Investigators uncovered several meetings with British nationals on the Costa del Sol linked to this trade.
Money‑Laundering Scheme
Parallel economic investigations revealed that the mastermind built a complex corporate web to launder proceeds:
- Investments in restaurants, real estate, and other sectors through both domestic and foreign companies.
- Ownership of fishing companies and hidden assets held by trusted associates.
- A vehicle‑rental firm used to both launder drug money and transport narcotics.
In April, authorities seized 66 kg of cocaine hidden inside a vehicle from this rental company, concealed by an advanced hydraulic system. The cargo had been stolen from a rival criminal group after a kidnapping.
Extremely Violent Operatives
Two key enforcers—a Cuban and a Colombian, both with military training—carried out violent actions to seize assets, including forcing a third party in southern Tenerife to surrender land in the municipality of Candelaria. The investigation also uncovered plans to acquire illegal firearms on the mainland while providing military training to other group members.
Cocaine Processing Laboratory
Police raided a cocaine processing and cutting laboratory on a farm in El Escobonal (Güímar, Tenerife). The site contained large quantities of highly toxic chemicals and the equipment needed to refine and adulterate cocaine.
Summary of Seizures
- 2,185 kg of cocaine
- Modified firearms in perfect working order
- €600,000+ in cash
- 16 vehicles and 5 vessels (one fishing boat, one sailing yacht, three fast‑craft)
- Assets frozen (movable and immovable) valued at over €2 million
The case is being prosecuted by Court of Instruction No. 3 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with the Customs Surveillance Service and the Civil Guard’s Central Operational Unit (Organized Crime Team, ECO Canarias) leading the investigation.