Uncovering the drug tunnel connecting Ceuta and Morocco

Saturday 15 March 2025 - 12:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Uncovering the drug tunnel connecting Ceuta and Morocco

Spanish and Moroccan authorities are engaged in a thorough investigation of a recently discovered tunnel used for drug trafficking between Ceuta and Morocco. This operation, dubbed Operation Hades, is a collaborative effort by the Spanish Civil Guard and Moroccan security forces, aimed at dismantling the activities of international drug cartels.

The tunnel was uncovered during a targeted raid on a warehouse located in Ceuta’s industrial zone, situated mere meters from the heavily fortified border separating the Spanish enclave from Morocco. Dug approximately 12 meters underground, the tunnel has raised significant concerns due to its potential multiple exit points, complicating the ongoing inquiry.

Initial findings indicate that the structure may have several branches, suggesting a sophisticated network of smuggling routes. This complexity prompts questions about the tunnel's operational history and whether it has been in use for an extended period. Moroccan authorities have initiated the deployment of advanced sensors and cameras to investigate the site, with early inspections near Arroyo de las Bombas revealing several possible exits.

In response to the emergence of the tunnel, officials acted swiftly to secure the area and expand their investigations. Preliminary reports suggest that traffickers utilized this passage to transport drugs to various locations before storing them in warehouses located in Ceuta’s Tarajal district. The concerted efforts of Spanish and Moroccan investigators aim to trace every link in this network and dismantle its operations.

So far, authorities have arrested 14 individuals linked to the operation, although they suspect that more key figures remain at large. Additionally, there is a growing concern that the tunnel may have also been used to facilitate illegal migration.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities remain committed to uncovering the full extent of this intricate smuggling network.