Morocco’s Pivotal Role in ‘Operation Sombra Negra’: A Major Blow to Transnational Drug Trafficking

Morocco’s Pivotal Role in ‘Operation Sombra Negra’: A Major Blow to Transnational Drug Trafficking

Rabat, Morocco – In a resounding testament to international security cooperation, Morocco has played a pivotal role in Spain’s monumental anti-drug operation, aptly named “Operation Sombra Negra” (Black Shadow). This large-scale crackdown has seen Spanish authorities dismantle a sophisticated criminal network, leading to approximately 100 arrests and the staggering seizure of 57,000 kilograms of cocaine.

Unveiling the ‘Black Shadow’ Network

The success of Operation Sombra Negra, as reported by Canal 24 Horas, is a direct result of meticulous intelligence sharing and collaborative efforts between various international agencies. Morocco’s General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) was instrumental in these security endeavors, working hand-in-hand with Spain’s National Intelligence Center, Europol, the UK’s National Crime Agency, the US, the European Maritime Analysis and Operations Center for Narcotics, as well as French, Cape Verdean, and Colombian counterparts.

Pedro Fernandez, the Government Delegate in Andalusia, underscored the vast reach of the dismantled network. He highlighted its “extensive organizational structure” spanning across Galicia, Portugal, Girona, Cadiz, Almeria, and the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, with significant links extending into Morocco. “I wanted to highlight the magnitude of the operation—the territorial spread and the organizational capacity that allowed, across all these areas, a single network to operate and facilitate the entry of drugs, including all the logistical and technological components that made the trafficking possible,” Fernandez stated, emphasizing the intricate nature of the criminal enterprise.

Morocco: A Consistent Partner in Combating Illicit Trade

This latest triumph is far from an isolated incident. Morocco has consistently demonstrated its unwavering commitment to curbing drug trafficking through robust international partnerships. Just last year, on October 29, Moroccan and Spanish security services collaborated to apprehend 20 suspects and confiscate over 20 tons of cannabis. This illicit cargo was cleverly concealed within shipments of green peppers destined for Spain via the Port of Algeciras, with the investigation sparked by crucial intelligence from Moroccan authorities.

Further back in 2025, the DGST (Morocco’s intelligence agency) again proved indispensable, providing precise intelligence that enabled Spanish police to seize over two tons of cannabis. These operations underscore Morocco’s proactive stance and its critical intelligence capabilities in the global fight against narcotics.

Beyond Drugs: A Broader Security Alliance

Morocco’s security cooperation extends beyond drug interdiction. In 2022, Moroccan intelligence played a vital role in assisting Spain in the arrest of a terror suspect who was reportedly planning an attack in Murcia. The DGST had alerted Spanish authorities to the presence of a “very extremist” individual, preventing a potential tragedy. This broader scope of collaboration highlights Morocco’s integral position as a key ally in regional and international security efforts, tackling threats ranging from organized crime to terrorism.

The success of Operation Sombra Negra serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when nations unite against common threats, reinforcing the imperative for continued vigilance and cooperation in safeguarding global security.

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