Drug traffickers brought down after shipping 1.4 tonnes of cannabis by parcel post
A criminal network suspected of smuggling large quantities of cannabis from Spain to France using parcel delivery services has been dismantled following a coordinated law enforcement operation supported by Europol and Eurojust.
Between 15 and 19 June 2026, law enforcement authorities arrested 10 suspects –and carried out 24 searches across France and Spain. The searches led to the seizure of EUR 278 000 in cash, cannabis, and other drugs, firearms, phones, and cars.
Criminals exploited parcel delivery services
The investigation uncovered an organised crime group that had exploited commercial parcel delivery networks to transport cannabis from the Barcelona area to the Rennes region of France. The network is believed to have been led by three key suspects: two based in Spain who coordinated the supply and shipment of the drugs, and one based in France who oversaw distribution upon arrival.
Investigators identified at least 114 parcels sent between September 2024 and the operation, containing an estimated 1.45 tonnes of cannabis. The parcels were shipped through a courier company and are suspected to represent only part of the group’s trafficking activities. Investigations into the use of additional parcel and logistics services remain ongoing.
To avoid detection, the suspects in Spain allegedly used forged identities when sending the drug consignments. The organisation also used the same parcel-based method to move criminal proceeds back to Spain. Cash generated from drug sales was concealed in parcels and sent alongside GPS trackers used to monitor shipments.
The investigation revealed the significant financial gains generated by the criminal enterprise. Authorities estimate that assets linked to the network, including real estate holdings, are worth approximately EUR 4 million.
European coordination
Europol facilitated information exchange between the French and Spanish authorities and provided analytical support throughout the investigation. The Agency also deployed its experts to both countries during the action week to support the enforcement activity. In addition, Europol funded the deployment of French investigators to Spain.
Investigators came together several times at Eurojust’s headquarters in The Hague to exchange information and plan the action week. Eurojust also ensured the execution of European Arrest Warrant and European Investigation Orders, key to the success of the joint operation.
Cannabis trafficking fuels organised crime across Europe
Cannabis remains the most widely consumed illicit drug in Europe and one of the most lucrative criminal markets, generating an estimated EUR 12 billion annually according to the European Union Drugs Agency. The scale and profitability of the market continue to attract organised crime groups involved in the cultivation, trafficking, and distribution of cannabis across the EU.
At the same time, cannabis products are becoming increasingly potent, raising concerns about their impact on public health. In several Member States, competition over this highly profitable market has also fuelled violence linked to criminal networks.
The substantial proceeds generated by cannabis trafficking are frequently reinvested into other areas of serious and organised crime, enabling criminal groups to expand their activities, strengthen their influence, and diversify their illicit operations.
