Spanish National Police seize 110 kilos of cocaine hidden in sports backpacks in an air container from Colombia

Spanish National Police officers, in collaboration with Colombian police authorities, have dismantled a criminal organization allegedly responsible for receiving 110 kilos of cocaine hidden in sports bags in a shipping container from Colombia. Three people were arrested as they were about to complete the transaction at a shopping center in the Hortaleza district of Madrid, carrying more than €126,000 in supermarket bags. Those responsible for receiving the drugs and the two leaders of the negotiations, who were hiding in an apartment in Fuengirola, were also arrested. All seven detainees were brought before the courts as alleged perpetrators of crimes related to belonging to a criminal organization and drug trafficking.

Meetings to agree on the introduction of the drug

The investigation began in June 2025, as part of the ongoing work carried out by the National Police against international drug trafficking, and was conducted jointly with the police authorities of Colombia.

The initial investigation focused on an organization that allegedly planned to smuggle a large shipment of cocaine into Spain, concealed in sports backpacks inside air cargo containers. Investigators identified a shipment from Colombia containing 110 kilograms of cocaine, destined for Spain, where it would be received by members of the network for subsequent distribution both within the country and in other European nations.

Once the container arrived at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, the criminal network began holding meetings among its members. Police investigations revealed that people from various parts of Europe traveled to Madrid for these meetings to coordinate the details of the operation and arrange the introduction of the drugs into Spain.

Division of duties

The agents knew the different roles that the members of this organization adopted, which allowed them to develop a device on the 19th. Two men were in charge of receiving the drugs, so they had traveled to a hotel located in the Barajas neighborhood of Madrid, where they were immediately arrested.

Three other individuals were finalizing the logistical details and making the corresponding payments, arranging a meeting at a shopping center in the Hortaleza district of Madrid. Thanks to the swift action of the investigators, these men were arrested while waiting to carry out the transaction, concealing more than €126,000 in a supermarket plastic bag.

Also in Fuengirola, the two leaders of this network were arrested. They were found to be responsible for negotiating the drug shipments. Authorities seized 110 kilos of cocaine, cash, and two high-end vehicles, one of which was a rental car used to transport the drugs. The seven detainees were charged with belonging to a criminal organization and with crimes against public health. After appearing before a judge, they were all ordered to be remanded in custody.