In a massive operation, Spanish police have confiscated over 1 million ecstasy pills and other narcotics valued at more than 25 million euros, marking the largest-ever seizure of synthetic pills in the country.
The raid, which took place in Malaga and Ibiza, resulted in the arrest of nine individuals suspected of being part of a major criminal organisation involved in the distribution of synthetic drugs across Spain and Europe.
According to authorities, the gang was led by Italian nationals based in Ibiza, a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant nightlife and dance clubs, where party drugs like ecstasy are often found.
The operation is a significant blow to the criminal organisation, which had been operating in different parts of Europe.
They seized 1,071,327 ecstasy pills, 73 kilogrammes (161 pounds) of MDMA — the primary psychoactive chemical constituent of ecstasy — 212 kilogrammes of ketamine, 20 kilogrammes of cocaine, 21 kilogrammes of “pink cocaine”, which is a mixture of synthetic drugs, 10 kilogrammes of hashish and six kilogrammes of marijuana.
“This is the biggest seizure of synthetic pills ever made in Span,” the statement said.
Police suspect the gang used vehicles with false bottoms to smuggle the drugs into Spain.
The country is a main entry point for drugs into Europe given its close ties with its former colonies in Latin America, a major cocaine producing region, and its proximity to Morocco, a top cannabis producer.
