Spain seizes record 13 tons cocaine in banana container

Spain’s National Police and customs officers made a major bust, seizing 13 tons of cocaine cleverly hidden in a shipment of bananas at the port of Algeciras. The drugs, which came from Ecuador, were destined for a fruit company in Alicante. This record-breaking seizure highlights the growing drug trafficking problem, particularly in Ecuador, which has become a hotspot for criminal activities due to a security crisis.

The authorities have arrested one suspect so far, with more individuals being sought in connection to the case. The criminal organizations involved are using legitimate businesses, like fruit export companies, as cover to transport massive amounts of cocaine into Europe. Spain, with cities like Valencia, Barcelona, and Algeciras, has become a key entry point for these illicit substances.

This latest seizure surpasses the previous record of 9.5 tons confiscated in 2023. The sophisticated operation involved multiple European criminal groups collaborating to smuggle cocaine from Ecuador. Almost 70% of drug seizures in Europe occur in ports, highlighting the challenges faced by customs authorities in combating drug trafficking.

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