Final Moroccan suspect in Barbate drug boat case arrested in Spain

In the early hours of Sunday, Spain’s Civil Guard arrested Abdennour El Hichou, the last remaining crew member of the drug boat that collided with a law enforcement vessel in the port of Barbate in February 2024, resulting in the deaths of two civil guards. He was apprehended in the same city where the fatal incident took place and is expected to appear before a judge today, Monday, according to Spanish media reports.

El Hichou had been hiding in Morocco since the incident but returned to Spain accompanied by a lawyer to facilitate his surrender, reportedly due to ongoing security threats and pressure believed to come from criminal organizations operating in the Strait of Gibraltar region.

His arrest follows the Civil Guard’s continuing investigation, which previously led to the capture of the boat’s captain, Karim El Bekali, in September, and two other crew members, Mohamed El Achiri and Yassine El Mrabet, in November. All had initially fled to the Moroccan coast before eventually turning themselves in to Spanish authorities.

The four suspects face serious charges, including two counts of murder, four attempted murders targeting law enforcement officers, six counts of assault, and membership in a criminal organization.