Background on the Sinaloa Cartel and its European Operations
The Sinaloa Cartel, one of Mexico’s most notorious drug trafficking organizations, has been linked to a criminal network operating in Spain. This cartel is believed to be the primary supplier of methamphetamines in Europe, with its operations hidden behind seemingly innocuous goods such as marble.
Operation Saga: A Collaborative Effort
In the second phase of Operation Saga, a joint effort between Spain’s National Police and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), authorities successfully dismantled this criminal organization. The operation targeted a Hispanic-Mexican criminal group associated with the Sinaloa Cartel.
Key Arrests and Findings
- Nine individuals were arrested, including a Sinaloa Cartel member residing in Madrid who was receiving €2,500 monthly for his silence.
- The owner of a marble company was apprehended after authorities discovered nearly €3 million hidden in an underground bunker beneath one of the company’s warehouses.
- The operation led to the seizure of approximately 1,800 kilograms of methamphetamines, making it the second-largest drug seizure in Europe.
Impact on Drug Trafficking in Europe
This successful operation significantly impacted the Sinaloa Cartel’s European operations, which were primarily based in Tenerife, Madrid, Valencia, and Alicante. The cartel’s primary drug supply point in Europe was disrupted.
Uncovering Hidden Operations
Following the initial operation, authorities learned that remaining members of the criminal network were attempting to reorganize their operations economically. In July 2024, it was discovered that the network had shipped 40 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed within the base of a one-and-a-half-meter-tall statue destined for Tenerife.
Link to Dubai and Further Discoveries
Investigations revealed connections between the Spanish-based criminal network and Dubai, with the organization’s leader orchestrating operations between these two locations. Additionally, authorities found evidence of the group using their legitimate marble business to smuggle drugs from Mexico.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was targeted in this operation? The Spanish National Police and DEA targeted a Hispanic-Mexican criminal network linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, which was responsible for supplying methamphetamines across Europe.
- What was the outcome of this operation? Nine individuals were arrested, including a Sinaloa Cartel member and the owner of a marble company. Authorities seized approximately 1,800 kilograms of methamphetamines and nearly €3 million in hidden assets.
- How did this operation affect drug trafficking in Europe? The operation significantly disrupted the Sinaloa Cartel’s European operations, which were primarily based in Tenerife, Madrid, Valencia, and Alicante.
- What connections were uncovered between the criminal network and other locations? Investigations revealed links to Dubai, with the organization’s leader orchestrating operations between these two locations. The group also used their legitimate marble business to smuggle drugs from Mexico.
