Ten arrests in France and Spain in cannabis parcel delivery network
French and Spanish investigators, supported by Europol and Eurojust, dismantled a network that transported cannabis via delivery services. Ten people have been arrested and 24 searches have been conducted.
Ten arrests in France and Spain in cannabis parcel delivery network
French and Spanish law enforcement have brought an end to the activities of a criminal organisation that was transporting cannabis from Spain to France using courier companies. The operation, coordinated with the assistance of Europol and Eurojust, led to the arrest of ten individuals, according to G4Media.ro.
Between 15 and 19 June, investigators conducted 24 searches across the territory of both countries. The seizures include 278,000 euros in cash, narcotics, firearms, mobile phones and motor vehicles.
According to the investigation, the structure was run by three key members. Two of them, based in Spain, managed the supply and dispatch from the Barcelona region. The third, based in France, ensured distribution in the Rennes region.
Since September 2024, the authorities have recorded at least 114 shipments containing approximately 1.45 tonnes of cannabis. Police estimate, however, that these quantities represent only a fraction of the total trafficking conducted by the group.
To evade controls, Spanish shippers used false identities. The same technique was reportedly used to repatriate profits: sums of money concealed in parcels were returned to Spain. Some parcels were also equipped with GPS trackers to monitor their route.
The value of assets linked to this case, including real estate, is estimated at around four million euros.
Europol facilitated the sharing of intelligence between the two countries and dispatched specialists on the ground. The agency also funded the travel of French investigators to Spain. For its part, Eurojust ensured judicial coordination, with several preparatory meetings held in The Hague.
Cannabis remains the most consumed illegal drug in Europe. Its market generates approximately 12 billion euros each year, attracting an increasing number of criminal networks that often reinvest their profits in other illegal activities, warn European institutions.
Source: G4Media