Cannabis-Infused Croissants: The Moroccan Immigrant Who Ran a Tunnel Empire Between Morocco and Spain

Appearing to own a pastry shop, Abdelilah A. co-led this criminal group with businessman Mustapha Chairi B., nicknamed "Amendis." According to the head of the narcotics brigade cited by El País, this organization was "very, very powerful," benefiting from connections with major Moroccan-Dutch crime families. Investigators estimate that the network was able to transport around 2,000 kilos of drugs per week thanks to a logistics system including fishing vessels, trucks, and underground galleries.

On Bladi.net: Cocaine: Moroccan Police at the Heart of the Dismantling of the "Sombra Negra" Network

The Dutch suspect was identified by the police through wiretaps concerning a 15-ton shipment of cannabis resin. The drugs were hidden in a cargo of potatoes and watermelons between Tangier and Almería. Although Abdelilah A. wanted to stop the operation out of fear of the police, his associate insisted on continuing, claiming to have bribed officers. The convoy was ultimately intercepted, leading to the first arrests in this investigation that began last year.

On Bladi.net: Tanger Med: The Truck Was Headed to Europe with 8,000 kg of Hashish

The final assault mobilized 250 police officers during 29 searches in Ceuta and Spain. This dragnet resulted in 27 arrests and the seizure of 1.4 million euros in cash, as well as 17 tons of drugs and luxury cars. Antonio Martinez Duarte specified that this dismantling dealt a major blow to this structure, which had already seen a first transport tunnel neutralized last February.