In November 2024, Spanish authorities announced the largest cocaine seizure in the country’s history: 13 tons found at the Port of Algeciras, with an estimated value of €792 million. The drugs were concealed in a container originating from Guayaquil, Ecuador. Ostensibly, the shipment was loaded with bananas, but behind the fruit were hundreds of packages of cocaine. This record-breaking seizure marks a significant milestone in Spain's fight against drug trafficking, surpassing the previous record of 9.5 tons, which were intercepted at Algeciras in August 2023.
The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Ecuadorian police, who alerted Spanish authorities to the suspicious shipment. Acting on this information, Spanish security forces intensified inspections of incoming containers, ultimately uncovering the massive drug cache intended not only for Spain but for broader distribution across Europe.
The Ecuadorian company responsible for shipping the bananas is known to authorities for its previous connections to illicit activities. Following the seizure, a partner of the receiving company in Spain was arrested, while two executives remain at large. The investigation has also led to five raids across Madrid and Alicante, expanding efforts to dismantle the network involved.
This incident highlights the Port of Algeciras as a critical entry point for drug trafficking into Europe. International cooperation among security forces has proven essential in combating narcotics smuggling. The Ecuadorian government has released data on local anti-drug efforts: between January and September 2024 alone, Ecuador intercepted 204 tons of narcotics, maintaining an average consistent with the past three years.
