The Civil Guard, in collaboration with the National Police and the Customs Surveillance Service, has dismantled an international criminal network. This operation led to the arrest of 13 individuals, one of whom was apprehended in Bizkaia, and the discovery of a large-scale cocaine processing laboratory in an industrial warehouse in Gerindote (Toledo). Nearly 8 tons of high-purity cocaine, approximately 93%, were seized at the site.
Operation 'Sircan', which began its investigations in 2022, has delivered a significant blow to international drug trafficking. According to sources from the Government Delegation in Bizkaia, the Civil Guard initially suspected cocaine trafficking from South America to Europe, concealed in maritime containers bound for Rotterdam (Netherlands). From there, the drugs were distributed to Spain and other European locations.
The industrial pavilion in Toledo, which outwardly appeared to be a legitimate business integrated with other industries, concealed a macro laboratory for the extraction and processing of cocaine hydrochloride. Colombian expert 'cooks,' specifically brought in by the organization, were responsible for processing the narcotic substance. The main area of the laboratory was divided into distinct zones for extraction, precipitation and filtration, and finally, pressing and packaging, operating continuously in 24-hour shifts.
At the time of the intervention, the laboratory was in full production, with substances in various stages of the process. Police sources reported the seizure of between 7 and 8 tons of corn flour impregnated with base cocaine, used for concealment and transport. Additionally, 9 kilograms of already processed and packaged cocaine, ready for sale and with a purity close to 93%, were found.
The operation unfolded in three phases. The first took place in Cartagena (Colombia) in April 2025, where nearly a ton of cocaine hydrochloride was seized. The second and main phase was carried out in February of this year, culminating in the dismantling of the industrial pavilion in Toledo. During this intervention, seven people were arrested, including the leader of the criminal organization, and approximately 100,000 euros in cash, five firearms, ammunition, three bulletproof vests, two incapacitating electric pistols, a money-counting machine, mobile phones, relevant documentation, and three high-end vehicles were confiscated.
The final phase occurred in March, with interventions in the provinces of Málaga, La Rioja, and Bizkaia. These actions led to the seizure of around 70,000 euros in cash, derived from drug trafficking, and luxury brand watches, among other items. The operation concluded with the arrest of a total of 13 members of the criminal organization.
