Spain's Policía Nacional dismantles major hashish ring, 57 arrested and tonnes seized

Operation overview

Spain's Policía Nacional announced on Saturday, 8 August 2026, the dismantling of one of the largest criminal organizations based in the country, dedicated to trafficking narcotic substances, especially hashish. The investigation, conducted in several phases and directed by the Sección de Instrucción, Plaza 1 of the Audiencia Nacional, began in August 2025 after authorities detected criminal drug trafficking activity being channeled through an encrypted messaging platform. Subsequent inquiries confirmed the existence of an international criminal organization with a high degree of professionalism dedicated to introducing hashish and marijuana from Morocco through Spanish coastal entry points.

The drug was transported overland to Madrid, where it was stored in rented apartments known as "guarderías" (nurseries) used for safeguarding the narcotics. From these locations, the organization acted as a wholesaler, distributing to smaller clients across Spanish territory and to other European networks. The last operational phase targeted a guardería in the El Cañaveral district of Madrid, where over 2,100 kg of hashish were hidden. Two people responsible for maintaining and guarding this distribution point were arrested, one surprised by agents as he left the building and the other while performing surveillance duties.

Arrests and seizures

A total of 57 people were arrested across six provinces: 45 in Madrid, 5 in Valencia, 3 in Málaga, 2 in Guadalajara, 1 in Burgos and 1 in Almería. They face charges of belonging to a criminal organization, drug trafficking, money laundering, document falsification and illegal possession of ammunition. Eighteen of those arrested have entered prison. Between August 2025 and July 2026, authorities carried out 20 raids: 15 in Madrid, 2 in Guadalajara, 2 in Málaga and 1 in Valencia.

Seizure figures vary by source. El Confidencial reports more than 10,500 kg of hashish and 1,100 kg of marijuana confiscated, while Europa Press cites 8,500 kg of hashish and over 1,100 kg of marijuana. La Razón gives a total of 9,600 kg of drugs seized. All sources agree on the additional confiscation of 47 bottles of gasoline (reportedly for fueling narco-boats), 19 vehicles, 12 luxury watches, 50,800 euros in cash and one firearm.

Distribution and laundering mechanism

Investigators discovered that a member of the network frequently visited an apartment rented by the group in the Las Tablas neighborhood of Madrid to classify and prepare drug shipments. Once the hashish was packaged, it was taken to a storage room where another member collected it and transported it by car to clients.

Profits from drug sales were returned to the legal economy through fraudulent loans, investments in properties and luxury vehicles, and the falsification of payrolls and invoices using shell companies. The Policía Nacional described the organization as international in scope and highly professional in its operations.

Investigation continues

The Policía Nacional stated that the investigation remains open and that future arrests and seizures are not ruled out. The operation targeted what authorities described as one of the largest criminal organizations settled in Spain, with supply lines originating in Morocco and distribution networks extending to other European countries.