The Tax Agency and the Civil Guard have dismantled one of the most active criminal organisations based in the Canary Islands in an operation called Silbo, resulting in the arrest of 34 individuals, 18 of whom have already been remanded in custody. This operation involved nearly 40 searches across various locations in Spain.
This investigation began over two years ago, initiated by the Customs Surveillance Service of the Tax Agency and the Central Operational Unit (UCO) of the Civil Guard. It intensified a couple of weeks ago with several searches in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The operation was supported by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Judicial Police of Cape Verde, all coordinated by Europol.
Extensive Operations Across the Canary Islands and Beyond
Actions were carried out during this operation in the islands of Tenerife, La Gomera, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura, as well as in regions such as Madrid, Barcelona, Pontevedra, A Coruña, and Málaga.
In the course of the operation, authorities seized a cocaine processing and cutting laboratory on a property in El Escobonal, Güímar. They found a significant quantity of highly toxic chemicals and tools for processing and adulterating cocaine.
The Link to a Tenerife Businessman
The investigation initially focused on a 42-year-old businessman from Tenerife, associated primarily with nightlife, hospitality, and construction sectors, as well as several foreign enterprises.
This individual was evidently directing a complex criminal organisation from the Canary Islands, facilitating the introduction of substantial quantities of narcotics at regional, national, and international levels.
While managing his business activities, the suspect negotiated directly for the delivery of notable quantities of cocaine from Mother Ships arriving from South America to smaller vessels for distribution, especially to the Canary Islands.
Significant Drug Seizures
Investigators confiscated two significant drug consignments intended for Santa Cruz de Tenerife. One involved 500 kilograms of cocaine in January 2024, transported by a vessel that had previously transferred it from a ship arriving from South America. In November of the same year, another seizure involved 1,600 kilograms of cocaine.
In this latter case, the head of the criminal organisation had arranged for a fishing vessel in Guinea-Bissau, alongside a partner based in Galicia, to obtain narcotics similarly to the first seizure, using the African route for cocaine.
Smuggling Operations and Financial Manipulation
The organisation also operated maritime and land infrastructure across other islands, receiving significant quantities of hashish from Morocco, which were sent to the United Kingdom, yielding quick economic returns. Investigators identified several meetings with British nationals on the Costa del Sol.
Financial investigations revealed that the principal leader of the organisation had established a network of companies for money laundering, investing heavily across various economic sectors through both domestic and foreign firms in hospitality, real estate investments, and more, often using trusted associates for these purposes.
He was also linked to fishing companies and concealed assets, and employed a car rental company to launder profits derived from drug trafficking and distribute narcotics using his fleet.
Arrests and Further Discoveries
In April, 66 kilograms of cocaine intended for introduction into Tenerife were seized from a vehicle belonging to this rental company, concealed through a sophisticated hydraulic system. It was revealed that this load had been stolen from another criminal group, for which they had kidnapped a member.
The criminal group relied on individuals of Cuban and Colombian nationality, both with military training, who executed violent actions against certain targets to seize various assets. They even coerced a third party in southern Tenerife to acquire land in Candelaria.
Throughout the investigation, it became apparent that they were also planning to acquire illegal firearms on the mainland while providing military training to other group members.
Results of the Investigation
This investigation, led by the Court of Instruction Number 3 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and carried out by the Customs Surveillance Service of the Tax Agency and the Central Operational Unit, concluded with the seizure of 2,185 kilograms of cocaine, operational modified firearms, over €600,000 in cash, 16 vehicles, and five boats, as well as the freezing of movable and immovable assets worth over €2 million.
