Spanish police announced on Friday that they had dismantled what they described as one of the largest criminal networks involved in migrant smuggling across the Mediterranean, arresting 78 suspects and seizing 18 high-speed boats.
According to investigators, the network used the vessels to transport synthetic drugs, including ecstasy, from Spain to Algeria. On the return journey, the same boats were allegedly used to smuggle migrants to Spain’s Mediterranean coast and the island of Ibiza.
Authorities believe the group was responsible for at least 64 migrant smuggling operations, bringing more than 2,000 people into Spain and generating over €24 million in illegal profits.
Police described the sea crossings as “extremely dangerous,” with migrants traveling in overcrowded high-speed boats through rough seas.
“In some cases, passengers were even tied down to prevent them from falling into the water during the journey,” the police said in a statement.
The network reportedly charged up to €12,000 per person, with some crossings carrying as many as 50 migrants at a time.
Among those arrested were four suspected leaders of the organization. Authorities also seized 18 high-speed boats valued at more than €5 million.
The operation was carried out in cooperation with Europol and law enforcement agencies from France, Portugal, and Poland.
While most irregular migration to Spain by sea traditionally follows the Atlantic route from West Africa to the Canary Islands, one of Europe’s main migration gateways, authorities say arrivals on that route have declined in recent months.
At the same time, irregular migration along the western Mediterranean route from Algeria to Spain has increased.
