Spain Dismantles CJNG Network — 20 Arrested, 1.8 Tons of Cocaine Seized in Heavy‑Machinery Smuggling Plot

Spanish police break up local cell of Jalisco New Generation Cartel

Spanish authorities announced on Tuesday that they dismantled a local network of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and arrested 20 people in a major anti‑drug operation. The CJNG — which the United States designated as a foreign terrorist organization earlier this year — is accused of smuggling large shipments of cocaine and methamphetamine from South America for distribution in Spain and elsewhere in Europe.

The investigation began earlier this year after officers detected narcotics concealed inside heavy industrial machinery. The machinery had been stored on estates near Madrid and in the neighboring province of Ávila before being transported across Spain.

Two of those detained were identified as U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) “priority targets,” and police say suspected members of Italy’s Camorra mafia were involved in arranging shipments abroad. The operation, carried out jointly with the DEA and Dutch authorities, resulted in the seizure of 1.8 tons of cocaine along with cash, cryptocurrency, weapons and vehicles.

Police published a short video on social media showing officers executing raids and arresting suspects at undisclosed locations. In another clip, welders are seen cutting open heavy machinery to reveal packages that reportedly contained drugs; some bricks were marked “007” and others stamped “Cash.”

Spain remains a key gateway into Europe for North African hashish and South American cocaine, a position that continues to attract international trafficking networks. Authorities noted that last month they seized 6.5 tons of cocaine and arrested nine people after acting on U.S. intelligence that led to a raid on a ship off the Canary Islands.

The CJNG has also been linked to trafficking of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for thousands of deaths in the United States. Investigators say the cartel has used fake job advertisements to recruit members and has been accused of torturing or killing recruits who resist. The cartel is led by Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” for whom the U.S. has offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.