Joint operation by the Tax Agency and the National Police

• In two separate phases, 800 jerrycans containing 20,000 liters of fuel, two vans, and two eight-meter-long panel boats have been seized.

• Four people have been arrested and one is under investigation.

May 22, 2026. Customs Surveillance Service officials in Huelva, in a joint operation with agents from the Central Narcotics Brigade of the National Police, have dismantled in the province of Huelva one of the most active networks dedicated to providing the necessary logistics to the high-speed semi-rigid boats that transport drugs from Morocco to the Spanish coast.

In the first phase of the operation, carried out on April 23, after a four-engine 'narco-boat' was detected approaching the coast of Punta Umbría (Huelva), investigators discovered a vessel located in a strategic place next to the estuary that was being used as a logistics center from which the 'narco-boats' were supplied with fuel, provisions and crew.

Thanks to the surveillance devices carried out on this target, the investigators observed how three people intended to leave the warehouse with a large van. After being inspected by the agents, it was found to be carrying 100 jerrycans of fuel. These three people were arrested for a crime against public safety.

After the search of the ship, a total of 300 more jerrycans were seized, in addition to numerous provisions, such as food, clothing or water, prepared to be transported to the 'narco-boats', for which they had two panel boats of eight meters in length.

Subsequently, in a second phase carried out on May 13, another logistics point was detected in the town of Gibraleón (Huelva). In this case, it was a rural property that was being used as a warehouse for large quantities of fuel jerrycans. From there, the network transported them to a coastal area where gasoline was supplied to the 'narco-boats' that transport the drugs.

Van with 'shuttle' vehicles

After continuous monitoring of the area, a van was detected leaving, accompanied by several vehicles that were carrying out counter-surveillance work (known in police jargon as 'shuttle'). After intercepting the van, the investigators checked its contents and found 75 jerrycans of fuel inside. The driver of the vehicle was arrested for a crime against public safety.

The officers then went to the property where, after a thorough search, they found a total of 325 more jerrycans hidden in a horse stable, which, together with the 75 jerrycans in the van, would total 400 jerrycans with 10,000 liters of fuel.

In total, the operation involved the seizure of 800 containers with 20,000 liters of fuel, which would have an approximate value of 160,000 euros. In addition, two boats and two cargo vans have been seized. Four people have been arrested and one is under investigation.

The investigation, which remains open and further arrests are not ruled out, has been carried out by the Customs Surveillance Service of the Tax Agency in Huelva and Greco Cádiz-Huelva Section of the Central Narcotics Brigade of the CGPJ.