Spain’s geographical position of sitting between the Americas, North Africa, and Europe leads it to be a prime target for the smuggling of narcotics. The current trends show that cocaine is the dominant narcotic hidden in European trade, transported on cargos linked to Latin American exports. The narcotics tend to be carried on high-board vessels being used as “camouflage platforms” due to the difficulties and costs which come with inspections. Narcoveleros and long-range sailboats have re-emerged, often with non-Spanish crews. Last-mile depots have allowed ‘rip-on/off operations’ to occur before customs controls. Finally low-tech methods have been capitalised on to ‘blend into’ regular port activity which cannot be detected without disrupting trade.
Meena Green Maura & Company have provided guidance and recommendations to tackle this growing issue.