Denver – Spanish authorities discovered a sophisticated piloting school for international drug smugglers, leading to the arrest of forty people.
Spanish Civil Guard agents made the discovery after a 2019 helicopter crash in Morocco initially aroused suspicion. After discovering the pilot was from Seville, Spanish authorities began to investigate the incident further. The investigation led to the discovery of a large drug trafficking group smuggling hashish via air from Morocco to Spain.
Authorities reported the group’s leaders mostly recruited Latin American and Spanish nationals as pilots and aviation mechanics. Many of the recruits had no previous flying experience, and were given rudimentary training before being sent on the smuggling operations.
According to Spanish investigators, the group’s resources ranged from five planes and two helicopters, to mechanics and even covert landing strips.
Spanish Authorities also reported the gang suffered two major air accidents since 2019. After the initial crash in Morocco that prompted investigations, another crash this year killed a Spanish smuggler en route to Morocco in a night flying operation.
Under the authority of Seville’s Court of First Instance, Spanish authorities conducted 24 searches at apartments in Murcia, Toledo, Caceres, Huelva, and Seville. During the search, officers discovered 120 kilos of stored hashish. Authorities were able to apprehend a leader of the gang, who was hiding at a villa in Cartaya.
Spanish and Moroccan officials have both noted the increasing sophistication of drug smuggling gangs in the region. As gangs continue to try to thwart authorities and transport drugs from Africa to Europe, police have discovered smuggling operations involving drones, luxury yachts, and other high-tech means.
