Spanish police have revealed the discovery of an intricate, 'maze-like' underground tunnel engineered to smuggle vast quantities of hashish from Morocco into Europe. This clandestine passage, concealed beneath an industrial warehouse in the North African exclave of Ceuta, was equipped with advanced pumping systems and soundproofing materials to evade detection by authorities.
Engineering Feat Uncovered
Investigators have described the network as a remarkable feat of engineering, boasting multiple levels, rail tracks, and heavy-duty lifting equipment specifically designed to transport enormous amounts of drugs across the border. At its deepest point, the tunnel extends directly into Morocco, resembling a mine with trolleys operating on a complex rail system.
Operational Details
The middle level of the structure served as a storage area for large bales of hashish, which were then moved using cranes and pulleys capable of handling heavy loads. The entrance was cleverly hidden behind what appeared to be a standard industrial setup inside the warehouse, allowing traffickers to operate undetected for an unknown period.
Authorities believe this network was capable of moving significant quantities of drugs into mainland Spain and further into the rest of Europe. The discovery emerged as part of a major investigation launched in February 2025, targeting what officials have dubbed the 'hashish network of networks'.
Seizures and Arrests
Over several months, officers seized more than 17 tonnes of hashish and €1.4 million in cash during operations across Ceuta and mainland Spain. A total of 27 suspects have been arrested, including two alleged ringleaders believed to be the masterminds behind the operation.
Police detailed that the tunnel measures approximately 19 metres in depth, with a narrow passage of just 1.2 metres in height and 80 centimetres in width, forcing individuals inside to navigate through tight spaces. Work at the site is ongoing, with parts of the tunnel flooded and requiring further examination by investigators.
Strategic Location and Implications
Spain's proximity to Morocco, one of the world's leading cannabis producers, has long positioned it as a key gateway for drugs entering Europe. The Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, which border Morocco, represent the European Union's only land frontiers with Africa and have become hotspots for trafficking routes.
Officers noted that the level of sophistication uncovered in the tunnel underscores the increasing scale and organisation of drug smuggling operations targeting Europe. Handout images released by Spain's National Police show the hidden entrance and the narrow underground passage, offering a glimpse into the elaborate infrastructure employed by traffickers.
Authorities are now working to determine how long the tunnel had been operational and whether additional undiscovered routes may exist, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat cross-border drug trafficking.
