The Discovery of Drug Tunnels Connecting Ceuta and Morocco
The drug trade in Ceuta has recently faced a significant disruption following the discovery of an extensive network of tunnels linking the city to Moroccan residences. The initial discovery of a tunnel sparked outrage among law enforcement, while the subsequent revelation of a second tunnel dealt a devastating blow to the organized crime network, which had established international clients and involved corrupt agents. On the Friday of Dolores, a large-scale operation conducted by the UDYCO of the Ceuta Police Headquarters resulted in the arrest of 27 individuals, the seizure of 17 tons of hashish, over one million euros in cash, luxury vehicles, and communication equipment.
This operation unearthed the profile of a seemingly calm individual with connections within the Civil Guard of Ceuta. According to investigators, this man, identified as Mustapha C., a Spanish national, played a central role in a criminal organization that allegedly facilitated the entry of thousands of kilograms of drugs into Europe. Known in police circles as the "Lord of the Tunnels," Mustapha is considered a key figure in this extensive drug trafficking operation.
From Discovery to Disruption: The Criminal Network's Downfall
The operation began on June 19, 2025, when the National Police detected a trailer arriving from Morocco containing over 15 tons of hashish hidden among pallets of watermelons and bags designed to mimic sweet potatoes, specifically crafted to conceal the narcotics. This significant seizure, made possible through cooperation with the French National Police and the Moroccan National Security Directorate, confirmed the existence of a Spanish-Moroccan organization dedicated to smuggling massive quantities of drugs into Europe via disguising them within the agricultural transport network.
Following this initial major blow, the UDYCO, with the support of GRECO from the Costa del Sol, began unraveling a complex structure based in Ceuta, with support networks in Morocco and links extending to the Iberian Peninsula, France, and the Netherlands, capable of transporting drugs via road, port, and, as later revealed, underground tunnels. The discovery in February of the previous year, during Operation Hades, of a drug trafficking network utilizing underground tunnels from an old brewery near the Moroccan border, provided crucial insights into the drug smuggling routes utilized by this organization.
Mustapha is characterized by investigators as an old-school drug trafficker, markedly different from the more flamboyant and violent figures typically associated with other southern Spanish enclaves. Described as educated, intelligent, methodical, and exceedingly organized, he managed to maintain a low profile while living a high-standard lifestyle funded by his illicit activities. He was responsible for the entire drug trafficking circuit, effectively controlling every aspect from manufacturing to distribution and investment, drawing comparisons to traditional mob bosses.
The investigation has revealed the involvement of several key individuals, including Hassan Oulad Abdellah, who is believed to be the architect behind the tunnel infrastructure, and Yassin S., who played a significant operational role within the organization. Despite the collapse of the first tunnel, the network attempted to re-establish itself, indicating the resilience and adaptability of this criminal enterprise. The authorities discovered that even after the initial tunnel was compromised, the organization was already planning and constructing additional tunnels to continue their operations undetected.
As the case continues to develop, the police remain vigilant, tracking the movements and communications of those involved, signaling that the fight against drug trafficking in Ceuta is far from over. This incident not only highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating organized crime but also underscores the intricate and sophisticated nature of modern drug trafficking networks.
As reported by elmundo.es.
