Operation Black Shadow: strategic cooperation between Morocco and Spain deals the biggest blow to Atlantic drug trafficking
The decisive involvement of the Moroccan DGSN and the support of the Spanish CNI have led to the dismantling of a transnational network responsible for bringing up to 57 tonnes of cocaine into Europe
- Operation Black Shadow and security cooperation
- Investigation and deployment in Spain
- Atlantic routes and logistical structure
- Scope of trafficking and size of the network
- Operational impact, international projection and strategic relevance
Operation Black Shadow and security cooperation
The collaboration between Morocco's Directorate-General for National Security (DGSN) and the Spanish authorities, with the support of the National Intelligence Centre (CNI), was fundamental in dealing the biggest blow to Atlantic drug trafficking.
The operation, known as ‘Black Shadow’, succeeded in dismantling the main criminal group involved in the international trafficking of large quantities of cocaine. It had contacts and financial resources on different continents and used Atlantic sea routes to bring the drugs to Europe.
Investigation and deployment in Spain
After an investigation lasting more than a year, led by the Special Anti-Drug Prosecutor's Office of the National Court and Central Court of Investigation No. 3, the operation was carried out in two parts. This culminated in 49 searches in different parts of Spain and more than 105 people arrested.
With the help of the DGSN, the security forces in Spain confiscated more than 10.4 tonnes of cocaine, thirty boats and seventy vehicles. They also seized various assets, six properties, weapons and almost one million euros in cash. The group had hundreds of bank accounts that were used to launder money and also had high-tech communication tools for operations on the high seas.
Atlantic routes and logistical structure
The operation was made possible because the DGSN in Morocco did a very important job of identifying the sea routes, coordination points and locations where cargo ships connected with smaller vehicles. This is because the main activity was located on the coasts of southern Spain, northern Morocco and the Canary Islands.
Collaboration between the Moroccan intelligence service and the CNI made it possible to track the organisation's movements in real time, which was fundamental to the success of the operation. The organisation's large capacity was a challenge for the security forces. The police report that the criminal group used large floating platforms offshore capable of safeguarding the drugs for weeks.
The pilots stayed on them for weeks. They also had fuel storage facilities with more than 100,000 litres, communication systems to avoid interception and a coastal network that sought to evade our air and sea resources.
Scope of trafficking and size of the network
Studies suggest that the criminal organisation brought a maximum of 57,000 kilograms of cocaine into Europe last year. This situation presents significant challenges and a complex landscape for the authorities. Since this drug arrived in Europe, this is the second largest police operation ever carried out.
In addition to the Moroccan DGSN and direct support from the CNI, the British National Crime Agency, the US Drug Enforcement Administration, Europol, the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre - Narcotics (MAOC-N) and the authorities of Portugal, France, Colombia and Cape Verde were also involved. Within this framework, the Portuguese authorities seized 6,600 kilos of cocaine on board a semi-submersible linked to the network.
Operational impact, international projection and strategic relevance
One of the most significant blows was the dismantling of an important centre in the Campo de Gibraltar. This location served as the main point of distribution and money laundering, from where secure communication terminals and nautical equipment were provided to various criminal organisations in southern Spain.
The investigation revealed the violence and intimidation of the group. It even paid twelve million euros to the family of a crew member who died on a shipment for their silence.
Beyond the figures, ‘Sombra Negra’ reinforces the role of Morocco as an indispensable strategic partner of Spain and Europe in the fight against organised crime. The participation of the DGSN confirms that Rabat is key to Euro-Mediterranean security. It emphasises that only by working together, with mutual trust and sharing information, can criminal networks operating between continents be tackled.