International Anti-Drug Security Cooperation: Morocco’s DGSN Plays a Key Role in Operation “Sombra Negra”
Spain’s public television channel Canal 24 Horas reviewed the major results of Operation “Sombra Negra”, a large-scale security action that led to the dismantling of a major criminal network specializing in international drug trafficking. This wide-ranging operation resulted in the arrest of around one hundred individuals and the exceptional seizure of nearly 57 tonnes of cocaine, one of the largest seizures ever recorded in the region.
Speaking on the matter, the Spanish Government Delegate in Andalusia highlighted the complexity and scale of the dismantled organization. According to his statements, the network had a highly sophisticated structure, with branches covering several regions of Spain, notably Galicia as well as the provinces of Huelva, Cadiz, Malaga, Almeria, Girona and Ceuta. Its influence also extended to Portugal and several islands of the Canary archipelago, including Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Tenerife, with established connections reaching Morocco.
Spanish authorities emphasized the highly coordinated nature of the operation, made possible through close cooperation between intelligence services and security forces from several countries. The operation notably benefited from the direct support of Spain’s National Intelligence Centre, working in close coordination with leading international partners.
Among the entities involved were the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, a specialized US agency, Morocco’s General Directorate of National Security, as well as Europol and the European Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre dedicated to combating drug trafficking. Authorities from Portugal, France, Colombia, the United Kingdom and Cape Verde also contributed to this joint action.
This operation once again illustrates the importance of international security cooperation in confronting transnational criminal networks whose activities threaten the stability and security of states. It also highlights the active and recognized role of Morocco within regional and international mechanisms to combat drug trafficking, confirming its sustained commitment to collective security.
Editorial team/le7tv
