A joint operation by the Tax Agency and the Guardia Civil

• During the operation, 7,200 kilos of hashish were seized, as well as 15 boats, 14 vehicles and other objects used in criminal activity. 

• The modus operandi consisted of transporting the bales of hashish in small boats hidden in a double bottom. 

• The actions are the result of coordinated surveillance by the two bodies within the framework of the intensification of the fight against drug trafficking on the Huelva coast.

July 10, 2023.- Customs Surveillance of the Tax Agency and the Civil Guard have carried out an operation against drug trafficking, dismantling a criminal organization in an operation that began at the end of 2022.

The actions carried out are the result of coordinated surveillance by the two bodies deployed as part of the intensification of the fight against drug trafficking on the coasts of Huelva.

Operation 'Kronos II' began last November, when investigations revealed the introduction of numerous drug shipments through the coasts of Huelva, especially through the towns of Ayamonte and Isla Cristina.

The modus operandi consisted of introducing bales of hashish through recreational boats, hiding it in a false bottom. Once they reached land, the drugs were transported in all-terrain vehicles to the place where they were stored until they were distributed, usually in underground hideouts or homes near the coast.

The agents established coordinated operations in the area, managing to thwart up to five caches and seizing a total of 7,200 kilos of hashish. These include two operations carried out in April and May, where a total of 2,600 kilos of hashish were seized.

This led investigators to locate those responsible for the activity, supposedly members of a well-known family clan in the town of Ayamonte.

After several months of research and analysis of information and once the alleged authorship of the members of the organization was confirmed, the exploitation phase began. In the early hours of June 27, following the corresponding authorization from the Investigating Court No. 5 of Ayamonte, a total of 14 raids and searches were initiated in homes and warehouses (seven in Ayamonte, five in Isla Cristina and two in Villablanca), making a total of eight arrests for the alleged authorship of the crimes of belonging to a criminal organization and drug trafficking.

Among the items seized were two rifles and an air pistol, a taser, ten luxury watches, night vision devices, video surveillance systems, frequency detectors, tracking beacons and 17,075 euros in bills of various values, among other items.

In addition, a total of 15 recreational vessels and 14 vehicles were seized, three of which were stolen and returned to their rightful owners.

Both investigations are still open by Customs Surveillance and the Civil Guard, and future arrests are not ruled out.

The proceedings, together with the seized objects, were made available to the competent court. Of the eight detainees, three were sent to permanent prison and five were released on bail, with the knowledge of the Special Anti-Drug Prosecutor's Office of Huelva.