International Cocaine Trafficking Organization Dismantled in Spain

October 11, 2005 — The Guardia Civil of Spain with the collaboration of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police drug sections in Vancouver and Halifax, the United States Department of Homeland Security, the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has dismantled an international narcotics trafficking organization which attempted to import 1000 kilograms of cocaine into Spain.

The investigation was initiated in May of 2005 by U.S. law enforcement agencies who had knowledge of a Canadian based criminal organization that was in the process of transporting 1000 kilograms of cocaine from the Carribean to Spain. The RCMP Greater Vancouver Drug Section became involved very early in the investigation. Once it was confirmed that the final destination of the cocaine was Spain, American and Canadian law enforcement officials contacted the Guardia Civil. All three countries agreed to form an integrated investigative team that would ultimately bring this international investigation to a successful conclusion.

At the end of September 2005 the Guardia Civil detected the presence of some members of this criminal organization in the town of Rosas, in the province of Gerona. On October 6, 2005, in Cambrils, Tarragona, members of the organization were arrested as they attempted to move the cocaine from one location to another. From the analysis of documentation seized it was learned that in addition to Spain, this organization operated in Holland, France, The United Kingdom as well as the United States and Canada.

The final results of the operation include the arrest in Spain of four Canadians and the seizure of 1000 kilograms of highly pure cocaine, high performance vehicles, computer equipment, as well as documentation and cash. The names of the individuals arrested in Spain will be disclosed once their identities have been confirmed. The matter is still under investigation.

This investigation highlights the RCMP’s commitment to working in partnership with law enforcement agencies throughout the world to target criminal organizations operating in Canada and elsewhere.

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Paul NADEAU, Inspector
Officer in Charge of Operations,
Greater Vancouver Drug Section,
5255 Heather Street, Vancouver, B.C.
tel: (604) 264-3002