A recent operation dubbed Operation Adriatica was conducted in the Canary Islands and Malaga, resulting in two arrests in each location for allegedly being responsible for collecting drugs. The operation was led by Central Court number 6 of the National Court and the Anti-Drug Prosecutor’s Office. In total, 13 people were arrested in Spanish territories, bringing the total number of arrests made since the beginning of the operation to 40. The seizure of 8 tons of cocaine, weapons of war, €12.5 million in euros, and $3 million in cash has been reported, along with assets worth €50 million being frozen in Serbia.
Europol has revealed that the criminal network behind this operation was based in Dubai and Turkey, responsible for trafficking several tons of cocaine from South America to Europe. The criminal organization functioned more like a company than a traditional cartel, specializing in drug distribution throughout Europe. Unlike traditional cartels, this group did not necessarily own the drugs they were trafficking. They established a complex shipping network that transported drugs from South America through logistics centers across different countries before culminating in distribution throughout Europe.
The drug trafficking circuit is primarily centered on two main hubs: Ecuador and Brazil. Contacts with European groups like Comando Vermelho and Primeiro Comando da Capital are established through these hubs. These groups have a presence across Peru, particularly within the Peruvian Amazon region. According to data from the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), there has been an increase in drug consumption across Europe, with heroin coming primarily from Afghanistan and cocaine sourced from South America. European authorities have successfully dismantled a large South American cocaine import network but experts warn that other criminal organizations may fill the void left by operations such as Operation Adriatica as drug trafficking remains a highly profitable business for criminal organizations worldwide.
While Operation Adriatica dealt a significant blow to drug trafficking efforts, experts advise caution as other criminal organizations may emerge to take advantage of any gaps left behind by successful operations like this one.
Overall, Operation Adriatica marked another successful effort by law enforcement agencies to disrupt international drug networks operating within Spanish territories. However, it highlights that while progress has been made in tackling drug trafficking efforts globally, more needs to be done to address its root causes and prevent future incidents from occurring.
In conclusion, Operation Adriatica represents yet another step forward towards combating global drug trafficking networks operating within Spanish territories. While significant strides have been made thus far, experts advise caution as other criminal organizations continue to emerge seeking opportunities left behind by successful operations like this one.
