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Spain Dismantles Madrid-Barajas Airport Cocaine Ring, Arrests 16 and Seizes €5 Million

Investigators say the network leveraged insider access, using staged passengers to pull drug-laden luggage from arrivals without scrutiny.

Overview

  • A joint Policía Nacional, Guardia Civil and Customs Surveillance operation conducted coordinated searches on November 7, detaining key members of the network.
  • Agents seized a pistol, a bolt-action rifle, a grenade launcher, nearly 100 detonators, luxury vehicles and phones, along with cash and cocaine including 25 kg found at a residence in Sonseca (Toledo).
  • The probe, underway since October 2022, began with backpack seizures of 10–14 kg of cocaine and later intercepted over 40 kg, revealing a sophisticated, internationally linked operation.
  • Investigators identified defined roles such as a central “conseguidor,” airport “rescatadores” who entered with low-cost boarding passes to collect suitcases, and baggage workers who helped move contraband out of secure zones.
  • Those arrested face charges including drug trafficking, money laundering and illegal possession of weapons and explosives, with further inquiries focusing on overseas links and airport-based accomplices.