Spanish authorities have dismantled one of the largest synthetic drug rings in the country.
Exceeds $26 million
As part of "Operation Adriático," the Guardia Civil arrested nine individuals in Ibiza and Málaga, seizing over a million ecstasy pills along with a variety of other illicit drugs. This operation marks the largest synthetic drug seizure in Spanish history, according to El Economista.
During the bust, law enforcement confiscated 1,071,327 ecstasy pills weighing a total of 357 kilograms. In addition to the ecstasy, authorities seized 212 kg of ketamine, 73 kg of MDMA, and 20 kg of cocaine.
They also found 21 kg of "tussi," commonly known as pink cocaine, along with smaller amounts of hashish, marijuana, and 3 kilograms of "sugar," a substance used to manufacture pink cocaine. The estimated value of the seized drugs exceeds $26 million.
Transported Across Europe
The investigation began when police identified a criminal network involved in smuggling drugs into Ibiza using vehicles with hidden compartments. These so-called "drug mules" were transporting the substances across Europe.
Acting on this intelligence, authorities intercepted one such vehicle at the Spain-France border in Irún. Upon inspection, they discovered 25 kilograms of synthetic drugs, including MDMA, ketamine, and ecstasy, hidden in a concealed compartment.
As the investigation progressed, the Guardia Civil tracked key members of the network to Málaga, where they were attempting to expand their illegal operations.
The ring, led by Italian nationals based in Ibiza, was supported by Spanish and Dutch collaborators. Once the main players were identified, authorities arrested nine individuals linked to the criminal organization.
