In a coordinated effort, Spanish and Portuguese authorities have successfully dismantled a criminal network engaged in smuggling cocaine into Spain, concealed within crates of pineapples. The operation led to the arrest of three individuals and the confiscation of 211 kilograms of cocaine. The operation was highlighted in social media posts and official communications.
The cocaine was hidden within commercial shipments of pineapples originating from South America, which landed at the port of Setubal in Portugal. The intent was for the drugs to be then transported by road into Spain. The operation was initiated following the detection of suspicious activities surrounding a container in Setubal, prompting a joint response from both Spanish and Portuguese police forces.
Upon the arrival of the container in Spain, law enforcement noted the presence of two individuals conducting counter-surveillance activities during the unloading of the pineapples. Their surveillance led to the uncovering of the cocaine, which was ingeniously packed in rectangular packages located within a false bottom of the pineapple boxes, distributed across various pallets. The operation's complexity indicates the high level of organization behind the smuggling network.
The individuals arrested include those directly involved in the transportation of the narcotics as well as the presumed recipient, signifying an extensive operation targeting the entire distribution network. This case sheds light on the elaborate strategies utilized by drug cartels to circumvent international security measures.
Source: Newsflare