Authorities uncover drug-smuggling tunnel between Morocco and Ceuta

Thursday 20 February 2025 - 14:02

Spanish authorities recently discovered a suspected drug-smuggling tunnel linking Morocco with the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, located in North Africa. The tunnel, found during an operation targeting hashish trafficking, was equipped with basic lighting and extended 12 meters underground (39 feet). It was located during a search at a warehouse in an industrial area of the Spanish territory.

According to Spain's El País newspaper, the tunnel stretched for 50 meters within the Spanish side, with its entrance found in a former marble factory that closed in 2020. A trapdoor concealed the passage, leading to a staircase that descended into the tunnel. Authorities suggest the tunnel may have been used to transport drugs across the border between Morocco and Spain.

No drugs were discovered at the site, and no arrests have been made regarding the tunnel itself. However, in connection with an ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking, several individuals, including two Civil Guard officers, have been detained. In recent weeks, law enforcement has seized over 6,000 kilograms (6.6 tons) of hashish hidden in trucks.

Ceuta, along with Melilla, another Spanish enclave in North Africa, represents Europe’s only land border with Africa. Earlier this year, Spain and Morocco opened customs facilities in Ceuta and Melilla to facilitate the transfer of goods between the two nations via their land border.