Story perspectives

Police bust Mediterranean €24m smuggling ring, 78 arrested

8/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Police dismantled a Mediterranean smuggling network, arresting 78 and seizing 18 boats.
Investigators say the gang made at least 64 trips, moved 2,000 migrants to Spain’s southeast and Ibiza, and earned more than €24 million.
The vessels also transported synthetic drugs such as ecstasy from Spain to Algeria.
Four leaders were among those arrested, with the seized boats—valued at over €5 million—taken by Europol and police in France, Portugal and Poland.

History

Historical Context

After Italy launched Mare Nostrum in 2013, the Italian Navy and Interior Minister Angelino Alfano spent about €114 million before the operation ended on 31 October 2014 and gave way to Frontex’s Triton. The 2013-14 effort, which saved thousands of migrants, now underpins the 2024 multinational raid by Spain, France, Portugal, Poland and Europol against a Mediterranean smuggling network.

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Story summary

Police dismantled a Mediterranean smuggling network, arresting 78 and seizing 18 boats.
Investigators say the gang made at least 64 trips, moved 2,000 migrants to Spain’s southeast and Ibiza, and earned more than €24 million.
The vessels also transported synthetic drugs such as ecstasy from Spain to Algeria.
Four leaders were among those arrested, with the seized boats—valued at over €5 million—taken by Europol and police in France, Portugal and Poland.

1 / 2