(Adnkronos) – Spanish police announced they had dismantled what they described as one of the largest criminal networks involved in migrant trafficking across the Mediterranean, arresting 78 people and seizing 18 high-speed boats. According to a statement, the network allegedly used the boats to transport synthetic drugs like ecstasy from Spain to Algeria and, on the return journey, to smuggle migrants to the Spanish Mediterranean coast and the island of Ibiza.
Investigators believe the group is responsible for at least 64 migrant trafficking operations, during which more than 2,000 people were brought to Spain, generating over 24 million Euros in profit.
Police described the sea crossings as “extremely dangerous,” with migrants traveling “packed together, at high speed, in rough seas.” “On some occasions, passengers were even tied up to prevent them from falling into the water during the journey,” the statement read. The organization demanded up to 12,000 Euros per person transported, with some operations involving up to 50 migrants per crossing, police specified.
Among those arrested are four alleged leaders of the organization. Authorities also seized 18 high-speed boats worth over five million Euros. The operation was conducted with the collaboration of Europol, the European Union’s police agency, and police forces from France, Portugal, and Poland.
