Biggest-Ever Crystal Meth Seizure in Spain
Spanish police have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking, seizing 1.8 tons of crystal meth that was believed to be destined for sale in Europe by the notorious Sinaloa Cartel from Mexico.
During the operation in the eastern Alicante province, five people were arrested, including a Mexican national who was reportedly in charge of the cartel’s operations in Spain. Antonio Martinez Duarte, head of the police’s drug trafficking and organized crime unit, highlighted the gravity of the seizure, labeling it as the biggest-ever crystal meth bust in Spain and the second largest in Europe.
Operational Details and Cartel Influence
The distribution network utilized by the Sinaloa Cartel involved storing the illicit drugs in isolated areas in the Valencia region before using vehicles with false bottoms to transport the methamphetamines to other European countries. The organized crime unit shared video footage on social media depicting the meticulous process of uncovering the hidden drugs.
Despite the incarceration of the cartel’s founder, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, and his son in the United States, the Sinaloa Cartel continues to operate with significant influence. The arrested Mexican citizen was reportedly responsible for handling the reception and distribution of the narcotics within Europe on behalf of the cartel.
Temporary Cartel Presence in Spain
While the recent seizure highlighted the Sinaloa Cartel’s temporary presence in Spain for the purpose of drug trafficking, Martinez Duarte emphasized that Mexican organizations are not permanently established in the country. The arrested individuals, including three Spaniards and a Romanian, were apprehended during the raid, along with the confiscation of five cars, documents, a weapon, and cash.
Authorities believe this operation was a one-off event orchestrated by the cartel, which typically operates through trusted individuals sent to conduct specific tasks in line with their interests. The seized crystal meth was intended to be shipped to central Europe, showcasing the complex and far-reaching nature of drug trafficking operations.