Spanish authorities announced on Friday the seizure of 25 tons of hashish, with an estimated value of 50 million euros, marking the largest such haul in almost ten years.
The hashish was discovered concealed in 22 wooden cabins inside a truck originating from Morocco, as it arrived at the southern port of Algeciras. The truck was destined for Perpignan in southern France, according to a joint statement released by police and customs authorities.
Despite the truck’s documentation claiming it was transporting melons, suspicions were raised, leading to a thorough inspection of the vehicle. A police officer, aided by a sniffer dog, identified the illicit cargo.
This seizure stands as the most significant hashish discovery in a vehicle in Spain since 2015 when authorities uncovered nearly 48 tons in two trucks, also at the port of Algeciras, the statement noted.
Following the discovery, the driver of the truck was promptly arrested and subsequently brought before a judge for interrogation.
Spain’s geographical proximity to Morocco, a significant source of hashish, and its strong ties with Latin America, a primary origin of cocaine, make it a prominent entry point for drug trafficking into Europe.
The confiscation of 25 tons of hashish underscores the ongoing efforts of Spanish authorities to combat drug smuggling operations, particularly those involving large quantities of illicit substances.
