A joint operation by the Tax Agency and the Guardia Civil

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

• The 'modus operandi' consisted of transporting the bales of hashish in 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 forces deployed within the framework of the intensification of the fight against drug trafficking on the Huelva coast.

Operation 'Kronos II' began last November, when after investigations it was learned of the introduction of numerous shipments of drugs 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 double bottom. Once they reached land, the drugs were transported in all-terrain vehicles to the place where they were stored until they were distributed, normally being underground storage areas or homes near the coast.

The agents established coordinated operations in the area, foiling up to five caches and seizing a total of 7,200 kilos of hashish. These include the 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 being members of a well-known family clan in the town of Ayamonte.

After several months of investigation and analysis of information and once the alleged authorship of the members of the organization was confirmed, the exploitation phase began. In the early morning of June 27, after the corresponding authorization from the Investigative Court No. 5 of Ayamonte, a total of 14 entries and searches began in homes and warehouses (seven in Ayamonte, five in Isla Cristina and two in Villablanca), carrying out a total of eight arrests for the alleged authorship of the crimes of belonging to a criminal organization and drug trafficking.

Among the objects seized, two carbines and a compressed air pistol, a taser, ten luxury watches, night vision elements, video surveillance systems, frequency detectors, tracking beacons and 17,075 euros in banknotes of various values were seized. other objects.

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

Both investigations remain open by Customs Surveillance and the Civil Guard, and future arrests cannot be ruled out.

The proceedings, along with the seized objects, were brought to the competent judicial disposal. As for the eight detainees, three were imprisoned permanently and five were released on bail, with the knowledge of the Huelva Special Anti-Drug Prosecutor's Office.