Four arrested in Huelva in dismantling of drug-trafficking logistical network
The National Police and Customs Surveillance Service have dismantled in Huelva one of the most active networks providing logistical support to drug-smuggling speedboats coming from Morocco.
Huelva supply network for drug-smuggling speedboats dismantled with 20,000 litres of fuel seized
The National Police and the Customs Surveillance Service have dismantled in the province of Huelva one of the most active drug-trafficking logistics networks on the Andalusian coast, according to ABC. The operation, carried out in two phases between April and May, concluded with four people arrested and a fifth under investigation.
The first phase was executed on 23 April, after investigators detected a four-engine drug-smuggling speedboat approaching the coast of Punta Umbría. The surveillance led agents to a warehouse strategically situated next to the estuary, which functioned as a supply centre for the fast boats that transport drugs from Morocco.
During surveillance of that location, agents intercepted three people leaving the warehouse aboard a large-capacity van. Inside, one hundred containers of fuel were found. The three occupants were arrested for an offence against public safety.
The subsequent search of the warehouse allowed agents to seize 300 additional fuel containers, together with provisions, clothing and water prepared for transfer to the boats. The network also had two eight-metre collapsible speedboats at its disposal for carrying out supply operations.
The second phase of the operation took place on 13 May, with the identification of a second logistics point in the town of Gibraleón. It was a rural property converted into a warehouse for large quantities of fuel, from which the network supplied the drug-smuggling speedboats at previously agreed coastal points.
Investigators observed a van leaving, escorted by several vehicles carrying out counter-surveillance operations, known in police terminology as "shuttles". When the van was intercepted, agents found it was carrying 75 containers of fuel. The driver was arrested for an offence against public safety.
Next, agents searched the property and located 325 additional fuel containers hidden in a horse stable. Added to the 75 in the van, the total came to 400 containers with 10,000 litres of fuel at this second location.
In the overall operation, 800 containers with a total of 20,000 litres of fuel, valued at approximately 160,000 euros, were seized. Two boats and two cargo vans were also seized.
Source: ABC