MADRID: Spanish police on Saturday said they had thwarted a criminal gang that flew helicopters to smuggle hashish into the country from Morocco, in a rare operation against aerial drug trafficking. The helicopters were capable of transporting between 500 and 900 kilograms of drugs, which were stored in rural estates and warehouses in southern Spain before distribution by road to other European countries, the Civil Guard said in a statement. Police seized one of the helicopters, 657 kilograms (1,448 pounds) of hashish, five firearms, cash, and vehicles during raids in the provinces of Malaga, Almeria, and Murcia. Six arrests were made in the operation, which also involved Moroccan, Belgian, and Swedish law enforcement. Spain&#39;s close ties with Latin America and proximity to Morocco make it a key entry point for drugs into Europe, but smuggling typically takes place by sea. Spanish police have, in the past year, also uncovered networks that used drones to transport drugs from Morocco.

This handout photo, taken and released by Spain's Civil Guard on December 13, 2025, shows helicopter, capable of transporting between 500 and 900 kilograms of drugs, during a police raid in southern Spain. (Handout/ Civil Guard)

Europe

Spanish police seized 657 kg of drugs, a helicopter, firearms, cash, and vehicles. Six arrests were made; the operation involved Moroccan, Belgian, and Swedish authorities.

Articles tagged with "Hashish"

Spain busts gang flying hashish helicopters from Morocco

Spain busts gang flying hashish helicopters from Morocco