Spanish police arrest 78 people in bust of 'one of largest' smuggling networks - BBC News

The group moved synthetic drugs from Spain to Algeria, then used the return journey to smuggle migrants and weapons.

Image source, EuropolImage caption, Europol shared video from the operation, including of police dogs searching cars

One of the largest criminal networks smuggling drugs and people in the western Mediterranean has been dismantled, authorities have said.

Europol said 78 people were arrested in Spain and Algeria in a bust of the network, that is also linked to other criminal activities including "violent robberies, extortion, illegal detentions, and money laundering".

The group moved synthetic drugs from Spain and Portugal to Algeria, then used the return journey to smuggle migrants and weapons to the Spanish mainland and island of Ibiza on "ghost speedboats".

Some of the items seized included 18 high-speed vessels valued at €5m (£4.2m), guns, more than €25,000 (£21,400) in cash and 15,000 MDMA pills.