One of the most active criminal organisations in drug trafficking and money laundering has been dismantled in Huelva

Agents of the Spanish National Police, in a joint operation with the Civil Guard, have dismantled one of the most active criminal organisations in drug trafficking and money laundering on the western coast of Huelva. The operation has resulted in the arrest of 12 people, including the alleged leader of the organisation, a businessman who has been operating since at least 2017, and 1,600 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride, short and long firearms, several vehicles, a semi-rigid boat, three fishing boats, location and tracking beacons and several satellite phones have been seized.

The investigation has lasted more than 18 months, after which a total of 12 people have been arrested, including the leader of the organization, a businessman from the province of Huelva, who, according to the information analyzed, would have been involved in drug trafficking since at least 2017.

Boats with 300 horsepower

The organisation operated using high-speed semi-rigid boats powered by engines of up to 300 horsepower. These boats approached fishing boats on the high seas, transporting the drugs to the Guadiana or Carreras rivers, where they were unloaded and stored in previously agreed locations.

In addition to these practices, investigators have carried out a financial analysis that has revealed a complex network of money laundering. The organisation used front companies, mostly in the hospitality industry, to conceal the illicit origin of the profits obtained.

During the operational phase, carried out simultaneously in several locations on November 27, 12 searches were carried out in homes, an industrial warehouse and two farms. In this way, 1,600 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride, short and long firearms, several vehicles, a semi-rigid boat, three fishing boats, location and tracking beacons and several satellite phones were seized.

In addition, a few months earlier, another 3,500 kilograms of hashish had been seized, which were stored in a nursery in a town in Huelva, where the members of a family who were guarding it were arrested. As a result, the operation has resulted in the complete dismantling of the criminal structure after the arrest of twelve people.