A joint operation between the National Police and the Civil Guard, in collaboration with Europol, has successfully dismantled an international network operating in the province of Almería. The police intervention concluded with the arrest of nine individuals following ten searches conducted at key points along the Andalusian coast, delivering a significant blow to the finances of mafias organizing clandestine maritime crossings in the Mediterranean.

The criminal organization, in addition to facilitating irregular immigration, was involved in drug trafficking and continuously managed human smuggling. Their activities included originating contacts, organizing voyages, and supplying fuel to high-speed Go-Fast boats, a practice known as «petaqueo». It is estimated that the network provided over 50,000 liters of fuel to these speedboats.

The gang also offered logistical services such as «service stations and sporadic workshops», providing provisions, clothing, mechanical parts, and crew changes at sea. The main ringleader amassed assets exceeding 500,000 euros in just one year of criminal activity, using an intermediary company and front men to acquire properties and luxury vehicles.

Police searches took place at properties located in Almería, Roquetas de Mar, Vícar, and Adra, which served as logistical operational centers. These bases were used to store engines and create specific areas for the hidden overnight stays of boat captains.

During the operation, 43,000 euros in cash, 61 kilograms of hashish, two large boats, false documentation, 30 vehicles, and three powerful 425 horsepower marine engines were seized. The Instruction Section of the Court of Instance Number 3 of Almería and the Public Prosecutor's Office have ordered pre-trial detention for three of the detainees, while the investigation remains open for the remaining individuals involved.