MADRID — Spanish police have uncovered a sophisticated underground tunnel in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, designed to smuggle tons of drugs from Morocco into Europe, authorities announced Tuesday.
In a statement, the National Police said a large-scale operation led to the discovery of a complex infrastructure hidden beneath an industrial warehouse. The tunnel was equipped with advanced pressurization systems and soundproofing to avoid detection.
The three-level passageway, which leads directly into Morocco, was fitted with carts moving along a complex railway system, highlighting the elaborate engineering behind the smuggling operation.
The investigation, which began in February 2025, has so far resulted in the seizure of more than 17 tons of drugs and the arrest of 27 suspects across several operations over recent months.
5 Tons of Cocaine Seized in Separate Operation
In a related development, Spanish authorities seized approximately five tons of cocaine earlier this month after it was transported by speedboat from Morocco to the southern province of Huelva.
Local media reported that the seizure took place during a security operation on March 14. According to the newspaper El País, police discovered a temporary storage facility used by traffickers in Huelva, where drugs were kept for only a day or two before being moved to their final destination.
The cocaine, the newspaper noted, had recently arrived in Spain using the same routes typically employed for hashish trafficking—high-speed boats originating from Morocco.
The operation in Huelva led to eight arrests, including five foreign nationals, following raids in Huelva and Seville. Authorities also confiscated €1 million in cash, assault rifles, and equipment used for weighing and packaging drugs.
The latest discoveries underscore the growing sophistication of drug trafficking networks operating across the Strait of Gibraltar, as Spanish and Moroccan authorities continue to intensify efforts to dismantle smuggling infrastructure.