Sinaloa Cartel Using Marble Slabs to Move Meth into Spain

Videos show the Sinaloa cartel used marble slabs and statues to smuggle methamphetamine into Spain from Mexico. Spanish authorities, working with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, were able to search several properties and businesses during the dismantling of the cartel and its allies in that country, leading to the arrest of nine people.

The searches took place in several Spanish cities in recent days as authorities tried to dismantle the cell, which they said was the main supplier of methamphetamine to this part of Europe. The Spanish National Police shared a video on social media showing some of the raids carried out by its officers.

During the searches, Spanish authorities were seen breaking marble slabs that cartel members allegedly used to smuggle drugs into the country. Authorities also arrested a Spanish businessman who used his legitimate marble business to transport and hide the contraband drug.

During a search of one of the man’s businesses, authorities discovered a hidden bunker in which the man hid three million euros in cash from suspected drug proceeds.

In a statement, the National Police revealed that these searches were the continuation of an investigation begun in 2023 as part of Operation Saga, which at the time led to the second largest seizure of methamphetamine in the history of Spain. In the aftermath of this operation, the Sinaloa cartel worked with local traffickers to reestablish their presence in Europe.

Spanish authorities describe one of those arrested in the raids as the main leader of a network that coordinated drug trafficking between Mexico, Dubai and Spain.