The Spanish police have made a significant breakthrough in their efforts to combat the smuggling of hashish from Morocco into Spain. In a major operation in the Spanish-controlled region of Ceuta in North Africa, authorities have seized a secret tunnel that was being used to smuggle large quantities of hashish into Spain.
According to police, the tunnel was built beneath an industrial warehouse and consisted of three levels, including a shaft, a storage room, and a tunnel. The tunnel was equipped with a rail system and cranes to facilitate the transportation of hashish into the Spanish region.
During the operation, authorities seized 17 metric tons of hashish and 14 million euros (16 million dollars) in cash, as well as arresting 27 individuals. The market value of the seized hashish was not disclosed.
Hashish is typically smuggled into Spain via high-speed boats from Morocco. Ceuta and Melilla are the only land borders of the European Union that are connected to Africa, which is why Spain is considered a major hub for hashish trafficking in Europe.
According to the European Union’s law enforcement agency, 68% of the hashish seized in Europe in 2023 was in Spain. The operation highlights the ongoing efforts of Spanish authorities to combat hashish trafficking in the region.
Meanwhile, global leaders are weighing in on the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. French President Emmanuel Macron met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo to discuss the crisis, while the US State Department has announced a $3 million reward for information related to attacks on US diplomatic and military installations in Iraq.
The French Navy has expressed concerns that the number of Chinese ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz is not sufficient to restore normal traffic flow. Jordan has provided military assistance to Israel in the past, including in the targeting of Iranian missiles and drones.
US President Donald Trump is set to address the Iran conflict at 6 am local time, while diplomats have reportedly discussed the issue in a private meeting. The Iranian government has described Trump’s statements as “false and baseless,” and has rejected his calls for a ceasefire.
In other developments, the government of Uzbekistan has introduced a new initiative to promote environmental protection and improvement. The move comes as the country’s president has ordered government officials and employees to use public transportation for two days to reduce their carbon footprint.
The conflict in Iran has also sparked controversy in the US, with Democratic Senator Chris Coons criticizing Trump’s handling of the crisis. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has refused to say that the conflict is Israel’s last war, while French Navy officials have expressed concerns about the number of Chinese ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
As the situation continues to unfold, global leaders are scrambling to find a solution to the crisis.
