Italy and Spain dismantle a network smuggling hashish from Morocco

Italian authorities, in coordination with their Spanish counterparts, have dismantled an international drug trafficking network, leading to the arrest of 20 individuals across Italy and Spain. The suspects are accused of smuggling hashish from Morocco into Europe.

Investigations revealed that the network sourced large quantities of hashish from Morocco, which were then distributed in Milan, southern Italy, and Barcelona through a coordinated cross-border operation using sophisticated evasion methods.

The probe, launched in 2024 by the organized crime unit of Italy’s financial police in Milan in cooperation with Catalan police, led to the identification of two criminal groups made up of individuals of Romanian and Maghreb origin.

The networks relied on forged documents, encrypted phones, and vehicles with foreign license plates registered under intermediaries’ names to evade law enforcement.

Over a four-month period, more than 350 kilograms of hashish are believed to have been trafficked into Italy, with 125 kilograms seized between August and September 2024 following the arrest of four couriers caught in the act.

Among the key seizures, authorities recovered 86 kilograms of hashish hidden in bags inside a car, as well as another 38 kilograms transported from Spain.

The operation also led to the seizure of luxury assets, including a Ferrari valued at €300,000 and a BMW worth around €100,000.

In Spain, 12 suspects were arrested, along with the seizure of 51 kilograms of hashish, two firearms, and €68,000 in cash. Eight additional suspects were arrested in Italy, particularly in Milan.