'Hashish Tiger' arrested in Tangier, leader of trafficking network in Madrid
The National Police have arrested in Morocco 'El Moreno', the suspected head of one of Spain's largest hashish trafficking networks. The operation has resulted in 86 arrests and the seizure of almost 11 tonnes of drugs.
Suspected drug trafficker captured seven months after fleeing
The National Police have arrested in Tangier one of Spain's main wanted drug traffickers, known as 'El Moreno', seven months after fleeing the country in March. According to The Olive Press, the detainee is accused of leading one of the country's largest hashish trafficking networks.
The suspect, who lived in Soto de la Moraleja, one of Madrid's most exclusive neighbourhoods, was held in provisional custody pending his extradition to Spain. Javier Ramos, head of the central brigade of the National Police's Drugs and Organised Crime Unit (UDYCO), stated that the detainee "has been known for many years" and "has survived a kidnapping attempt and an attempt on his life".
The operation has resulted in 86 arrests, approximately half of Spanish nationality and the other half Moroccan. The arrests were made across seven provinces, with the majority in Madrid, followed by Guadalajara, Valencia, Málaga, Burgos, Almería and Girona. The Police have seized almost 11 tonnes of hashish and dismantled seven storage points.
Eighteen of those arrested have been remanded in custody. According to The Olive Press, the network was introducing thousands of kilos of hashish monthly from Morocco for distribution in Spain and other regions of Europe.
The alleged drug lord grew up in the working-class area of Manoteras, in the Hortaleza district of Madrid, and already had a criminal record for drug trafficking. In 2009 he had been arrested for similar offences. José Manuel Orge, chief commissioner, noted that the organisation "operated like a business". "The only difference is that its income came from drugs. El Moreno acted as a businessman", he explained.
According to the Police, El Moreno controlled all levels of the network, from drivers to the search for properties to hide the drugs. The organisation used shell companies to launder its earnings. In Madrid, the gang concealed large quantities of hashish in homes in residential developments, surrounded by neighbours unaware of its activities, introducing the drugs through garages.
Ramos highlighted that the detainee possessed a "very powerful network" of suppliers and distributors, living "with a very high standard of living, completely camouflaged, with his children in very good schools and good contacts". The National Police indicated that the investigation, which began in 2025, remains open and does not rule out further arrests and seizures.
Source: The Olive Press