Spanish Police Dismantle 'Super-Mafia' on Costa del Sol, Seizing Nine Tonnes of Drugs and Dozens of Firearms

Spanish police have announced a major breakthrough in their ongoing fight against organized crime, successfully dismantling seven criminal organizations operating across the Costa del Sol. The extensive operation, which culminated in recent weeks, targeted a sophisticated network described as a 'French-led super-mafia' and resulted in the arrest of 55 individuals deemed 'highly violent' and 'highly specialised'.

The crackdown represents a significant blow to the region's criminal underworld, which has long exploited the Costa del Sol's large foreign communities and tourist influx to blend in and conduct illicit activities.

Extensive Seizures and Arrests

During the operations carried out over the past month, law enforcement officers seized substantial quantities of illegal substances and weaponry. The haul included nearly nine tonnes (8,984 kilograms) of hashish and cocaine, along with 37 firearms, some of which were military-grade. Additionally, police confiscated more than €150,000 in cash.

The arrested individuals, predominantly French nationals, were also found to have Moroccan and Eastern European associates who served as drivers, couriers, and enforcers within the criminal network.

Targeting a 'Super-Cartel'

Authorities identified the dismantled network as a 'French-led super-cartel' or 'super-mafia,' characterized by interconnecting gangs that shared resources such as safe houses, armories, and smugglers.

The criminal activities attributed to these groups included:

• Drug trafficking, primarily hashish and cocaine.
• Violent robberies targeting rival drug traffickers.
• The kidnapping of a Moroccan man in Marbella in 2024.
• The attempted murder of two Swedish nationals in December, who narrowly escaped by jumping from a 30-meter embankment.

The gangs were known to utilize vehicles equipped with hidden compartments to transport weapons and contraband undetected.

Broader 'Plan Costa del Sol' Success

This recent success is part of a larger, year-old national strategy by Spain, dubbed 'Plan Costa del Sol,' aimed at dismantling foreign-led mafias operating along the southern coast. Under this comprehensive plan, authorities have made over 600 arrests so far this year. The broader efforts have also led to the seizure of more than 70 tonnes of hashish, 5.2 tonnes of cocaine, and 170 weapons.

Javier Salas, the Spanish government's sub-delegate in Malaga, lauded the operations as 'the most decisive and forceful blow against organised crime in our province in recent times.' Roberto Rodríguez Velasco, Malaga's provincial police commissioner, affirmed the police's commitment, stating, 'We will not back down' and 'We will not allow those who disrupt public order to get away with it.'

Widespread Raids

The police operations involved armed raids across numerous towns and cities, extending from coastal areas like Estepona, Marbella, and Mijas to the provincial capital of Malaga. Inland locations such as Ronda, Antequera, Alhaurín el Grande, and Cártama were also targeted, with some raids reaching as far north as Jaén and Barcelona to uncover stash houses and safe properties.