Morocco and Spain cooperate in major anti-drug operation in Gran Canaria

Moroccan and Spanish security forces carried out an important anti-drug operation in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria that has led to the seizure of 2,345 kilos of hashish. 

The intervention carried out by the Spanish Civil Guard led to the arrest of two people driving the intercepted boat, who may be charged with crimes against public health and drug trafficking.

The operation foiled an attempt to smuggle drugs from Morocco to the coast of Gran Canaria and led to the arrest of the two pilots of the boat, one aged 26 and the other 36, who now face charges of crimes against public health and drug trafficking. The detainees were remanded in custody and brought before the courts.  

The Organised Crime and Narcotics Unit of Las Palmas has taken charge of the investigation, handing over the detainees and the evidence seized to the Court of Instruction Number One for prosecution.

The Moroccan Directorate General of Territorial Surveillance (DGST) confirmed that Spanish security forces led this joint operation to intercept an inflatable boat attempting to bring drugs to the coast of Gran Canaria. 

Maritime and land agents from the Judicial Police Unit and the Provincial Maritime Service of the Guardia Civil in Las Palmas coordinated efforts to arrest the traffickers and seize the illicit cargo. 

The vessel was sailing on the maritime route between Morocco and the Canary Islands without lights and when approaching the coast of Gran Canaria it was detected by the forces of law and order. After an inspection was carried out, numerous bales of hashish were discovered. The drug goods were seized, along with items such as the dinghy itself, outboard motors, telephones and GPS devices.  

The interception is evidence of the close cooperation between Morocco and Spain in the fight against drug trafficking. Both nations cooperate extensively in security matters, both in actions against all types of criminal gangs and extremist terrorist organisations.