Major drug trafficking network dismantled in Tenerife
A major international police operation has dismantled a powerful drug trafficking network centred in Tenerife, leading to the arrest of 34 people and the seizure of more than two tonnes of cocaine, firearms, cash, vehicles, and luxury assets.
The investigation, codenamed Operación SILBO, was carried out by the Guardia Civil and Spain’s Tax Agency with support from Europol, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Judicial Police of Cape Verde.
Most of the raids took place two weeks ago in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with follow-up searches across Spain.
In total, officers seized more than 600,000 euros in cash, 16 vehicles, five boats, and modified firearms, while assets worth over two million euros were frozen. A cocaine-processing laboratory was also discovered at a rural property in El Escobonal, Tenerife, where dangerous chemicals and equipment for cutting drugs were stored.
At the centre of the operation was a 42-year-old businessman, who investigators say has restaurants, nightlife venues, and a construction company in Tenerife, as well as businesses abroad.
He allegedly used this network to smuggle cocaine shipments from South America aboard so-called “mother ships.” Evidence gathered showed at least two major deliveries: 500 kilos in January 2024 and 1,600 kilos in November 2024, both destined for Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The network was also linked to hashish shipments from Morocco bound for the UK.
Alongside the drug trade, police uncovered a complex money laundering system involving property investments, restaurants, and a car rental business. The rental company served both as a front for laundering profits and for distributing drugs. In April, 66 kilos of cocaine were discovered hidden inside one of its vehicles using a hydraulic concealment system.
Investigators also revealed that the group included extremely violent members, some with military training, who had resorted to kidnappings and intimidation to take control of land in Tenerife. Plans were also uncovered to acquire illegal weapons from mainland Spain.
The crackdown is part of Project GDIN, an anti-drug trafficking initiative led by the Guardia Civil in collaboration with Europol and funded by the European Commission through the Anti-Drug Criminal Intelligence Centre.
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