Customs seizes 170 kilos of cocaine in shipment from Brazil

Customs Surveillance officials from the Tax Agency confiscated 170 kilogrammes of cocaine disguised inside vehicle catalytic converters originating in Brazil and bound for the province of Alicante, specifically a company in Callosa De Segura. During the operation, authorities arrested two people on charges of smuggling, public health violations, and membership in a criminal organisation.

According to the Tax Agency, the investigation began in early 2023, when the Smuggling Section of the Customs Surveillance Operational Unit discovered imports of vehicle catalytic converters from Brazil with a final destination in Alicante that were suspected of being contaminated with cocaine.

The Smuggling Section of the Customs Surveillance Operational Unit analysed the data on these imports and focused on one of the importing companies, identifying substantial irregularities in its economic operations. Thus, the operative part of the inquiry began, resulting in the identification of members of the accused criminal cell in Callosa del Segura.

Business Network

Investigators discovered a number of industrial facilities that the organisation could utilise as a distribution centre, as well as a business network via which these buildings were reportedly rented and tainted. Imports were carried out.

Investigators identified the directors and partners of these businesses as members of the criminal organisation. These people were thought to be working for the organisation’s head, who went missing in South America.

Early April of this year saw the discovery of a cargo from Brazil bound for the province of Alicante at Valencia’s port. The claimed cargo, catalytic converters, with features similar to prior imports made by this organised group, piqued the suspicions of the Customs Surveillance Service’s investigation team, prompting them to arrange the container’s opening and comprehensive inspection.

The product, which was housed in giant sacks containing approximately 100 catalytic converters each, was inspected on April 23. Mechanical means were used to access the catalytic converters, where a large amount of cocaine was found.

Customs discovered 170 kilos of cocaine, with a market value that might reach five million euros.

The operation ended with the arrest of two people engaged in the incident and the confiscation of cash after raids and searches of the suspects’ homes. Moreover, the authorities confiscated 1,115 catalytic converters, multiple electronic devices, and various documents.

The narcotic substance has been delivered to the Health Department for purity testing. The remaining seized items have been turned over to the appropriate judicial authorities handling the investigation.

The operation is still underway, therefore additional arrests of organised gang members are possible. Officers from the Alicante-based Combined Customs Surveillance Unit’s Smuggling Section conducted the investigation.