The operation took place in July but was revealed by authorities on Sunday. Police raided eight locations and seized eight tons of cannabis, six vessels, 16 vehicles as well as bank accounts and real estate worth more than US$3.5 million.
Known as the Clan de los Pinchos, the gang was a close-knit group, making them difficult for the Spanish police to infiltrate.
“This violent network of hashish drug traffickers operating in the Gibraltar area could supply other criminals with three to six tonnes of cannabis a month,” said Europol.
“The criminal profits from this trafficking were laundered through investment in properties, made by shell companies and run by straw men. The shell companies would then buy nautical equipment for the speedboats transporting the drugs,” Europol explained.
