Spanish Investigation Pursues 'Third Smuggling Tunnel' Hypothesis in Ceuta

Spanish investigators are pursuing the possibility of a third drug smuggling tunnel connecting the occupied city of Ceuta to its surrounding areas. This suspicion stems from intercepted recordings and conversations associated with a criminal network active in the region.

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The current data and successive discoveries of tunnel networks reveal a new reality in the region. Any security tightening activated against gangs, mafia organizations, and major international networks that have long been present in the region pushes them to search for alternative routes.

Initial findings suggest this potential tunnel may have been used or planned for additional drug smuggling operations linked to the network currently under investigation by Spanish authorities. The suspicion follows the discovery of two previous secret tunnels in the Tarajal area of Ceuta. One of these was described as a "sophisticated structure equipped with rails, carts, and a lifting system designed to transport large quantities of hashish to Ceuta and onward to Europe."

Investigations are ongoing to confirm the existence and location of this third tunnel and its connection to the network dismantled as part of "Operation Ares," which led to the arrest of dozens of suspects. Abdelhamid El Bajougui, a specialist in Moroccan-Spanish relations, commented that the ongoing discoveries of these tunnel networks reveal a new reality in the region. He noted that increased security measures against organized crime push these networks to seek alternative routes.

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Security success with joint coordination closes off access points and pushes these networks to seek other transit corridors.

El Bajougui emphasized the critical role of security coordination between Morocco and Spain, and between Morocco and the European Union, in uncovering these operations. He praised the continuous development of this coordination, highlighting numerous high-level security meetings. Security expert Abdelrahman Makawi added that organized crime groups, after failing to establish a foothold within Morocco, have successfully created sophisticated networks using advanced technology and methods for smuggling drugs and irregular migrants. He pointed out their shift from using small planes to constructing advanced tunnels through difficult terrain, indicating the advanced capabilities of these criminal organizations.

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Mafia crimes previously tried to settle within the Kingdom of Morocco, but failed. The security system is currently facing organized crime gangs that include professionals, in addition to simple crimes that do not pose a great danger and represent about 85% of recorded crimes in the country.