Spanish authorities have dismantled a criminal network specializing in drug and migrant smuggling between Spain’s southern coastal town of Alicante and Algeria, local media reported on Sunday.
A joint operation by Spain’s National Police and Customs Surveillance has led to the arrest of three suspects, all linked to an Algerian-led operation exploiting Moroccan nationals.
The network allegedly used high-speed boats both to smuggle synthetic drugs and cocaine from Alicante to Algeria and to conduct illegal crossings, charging migrants between EUR 7,000 and EUR 10,000 per trip. Investigators seized two semi-rigid boats, including one that had been stolen in France.
Two of the arrested suspects, Algerian men aged 30 and 33, now face charges of organized smuggling and facilitating illegal immigration. One of them had been arrested in May during a similar operation which resulted in seven arrests and the seizure of three high-powered speedboats.
The investigation indicates that smugglers previously relied on high-speed boats to travel between Spain and Algeria, according to media sources. However, tighter controls by Spanish authorities forced the network to change tactics. Smugglers now use less powerful boats, often stolen from marinas or purchased through illegal channels, making detection more challenging.