Spain seeks Morocco's cooperation in drug smuggling tunnel investigation
According to Spanish media, the court has sent a judicial delegation to allow the Civil Guard to extend its investigation beyond Spanish borders. A judicial source told El País that the Civil Guard has inspected the first 50 meters of the tunnel within Spanish territory. Meanwhile, Spanish authorities are awaiting confirmation from Morocco on whether the tunnel's entrance has been located on the Moroccan side.
Since last Friday, Moroccan authorities have been searching the area near the tunnel, including homes close to the Las Bombas stream. However, Spanish officials have yet to receive official updates on Morocco's findings, according to Europa Sur.
The tunnel, located near an abandoned limestone factory, is dug 12 meters deep and extends over 50 meters. It is reinforced with wooden planks and cement, suggesting it has been in use for years to smuggle hashish from Morocco to Spain. Authorities are also investigating whether it was used for other illegal activities, such as irregular migration.
These investigations are part of the third phase of Operation Hades, launched following a complaint from the Anti-Corruption Public Prosecutor's Office and overseen by Judge María Tardón. Over the past three weeks, 14 people have been arrested in connection with the operation, including two members of the Civil Guard. Additionally, authorities have seized three trucks carrying over 6,000 kilograms of hashish hidden in secret compartments.
Specialized units from the Civil Guard, along with teams from Andalusia and Ceuta, are involved in the operation under the supervision of the National Court and Spain's Drug Enforcement Public Prosecutor's Office.
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