Discovery of a Hidden Drug Tunnel in Ceuta
Spanish police have revealed the discovery of a hidden tunnel beneath a warehouse in Ceuta, which was allegedly used for smuggling hashish from Morocco. The tunnel featured an elaborate system of rails, wagons, and pulley mechanisms designed to transport drug shipments efficiently. This marks the second narcotunnel found in the Tarajal industrial area, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating drug trafficking.
The operation that led to this discovery involved over 250 officers across Andalusia, Galicia, and Ceuta. During the initial phase, 29 searches were conducted, resulting in 15 arrests and the seizure of nearly 1.5 million euros along with 66 communication devices. The investigation, which has spanned over a year, focused on a network accused of receiving hashish from Morocco, storing it in the Spanish enclave, and subsequently distributing it to mainland Spain and France.
A Complex Network of Drug Trafficking
According to reports, the entrance to the tunnel was concealed within a warehouse behind a large, soundproof refrigerator. The underground route included rails, wagons, and pulley systems that allowed for the movement of bales through different levels before reaching an exit on Moroccan soil. This sophisticated infrastructure underscores the organized nature of the drug trafficking operations in the region.
The investigation began over a year ago, with the focus on a group based in Ceuta that managed the flow of Moroccan hashish into Europe. One of the early breakthroughs came in March 2025 when a 15,000 kilogram shipment was seized in Almeria. This event helped identify key players involved in negotiating the origin of the drugs, arranging deliveries, and organizing distribution networks across Europe.
In February 2025, the Guardia Civil discovered a cavity approximately 12 meters deep leading to an underground gallery near the Moroccan border in the same industrial zone. This finding was linked to 14 arrests and the seizure of over 6,000 kilograms of hashish hidden in three trucks. At the time, officers suggested that the tunnel may have been used for transporting drugs from Morocco.
Broader Implications of Hashish Trafficking
The latest discovery adds to a broader context of hashish trafficking pressure in the region. According to the Spanish Interior Ministry, security forces seized 150,802 kilograms of hashish in 2024 under a special security plan covering the Campo de Gibraltar and surrounding provinces. Between mid-2018 and August 31, 2023, authorities reported seizing over 1.38 million kilograms of hashish under the same plan.
Surveillance efforts in early 2025 tracked suspects moving large burlap sacks between houses near Tarajal, employing tight lookout and counter surveillance measures. Later conversations allegedly referenced a “hole” used to bring in merchandise and plans for building “another one.” Investigators linked these references to the underground passage found in the warehouse.
Arrests and Legal Measures
El Mundo reported that the number of arrests in Ceuta increased to 20, with judges ordering provisional imprisonment for 14 suspects. Other detainees were released pending possible precautionary measures. This highlights the complexity of the legal proceedings and the ongoing efforts by authorities to dismantle the drug trafficking network.
The discovery of this tunnel underscores the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement in combating organized crime and drug trafficking. It also emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between different agencies to ensure the safety and security of the region.
