Mossos d’Esquadra have broken up a drug trafficking network that shipped cannabis, cocaine and synthetic drugs across Europe using regular courier services. The operation led to 12 arrests and seizures worth nearly 250,000 euros.
The investigation started in April when officers found a van with cannabis residue inside. From there, police linked a network of people and properties involved in growing cannabis and trafficking drugs throughout the EU.
Right now, the group specialised in sending various drugs they obtained from suppliers, packaging them up and posting them to addresses across the Schengen zone. By staying within Schengen borders, they avoided customs checks that would have caught their shipments.
However, their concealment methods were sophisticated. They used wooden frames to stop boxes deforming, vacuum-sealed the drugs, and created polyurethane foam bases to hide everything from X-ray scanners.
The network had a clear hierarchy. At the top sat a leader who gave detailed orders about quantities, pickup points, and delivery addresses in Belgium, France, Italy and the Netherlands. This person used anonymous communication methods to stay hidden from other members.
Below that, one person managed the money, paying rent for properties and vehicles. Meanwhile, another member handled fake documents for courier company transactions. At the bottom were the growers and people who let their names be used for rental agreements.
During the investigation, Mossos intercepted three shipments containing large amounts of cannabis, hashish, cocaine and tusi. The final raids hit properties in Badalona, Barcelona, Begues and Sant Vicenç de Montalt on 23 September.
Officers found 2,200 flowering cannabis plants plus 10kg of buds and 1kg of hashish. All 12 suspects face charges for crimes against public health, belonging to a criminal organisation and electricity fraud. One also faces document forgery charges.
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