€17 Million Cannabis Shipment Seized in Joint Franco-Spanish Operation
The Direction nationale du renseignement et des enquêtes douanières (DNRED), working in close coordination with Spanish authorities, has intercepted nearly 1.8 tonnes of cannabis herb. The shipment, which was transiting through the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille (GPMM), is estimated to have a resale value of 17 million euros.
Dismantling a New International Drug Route
On May 24, French customs successfully disrupted the operations of a Spain-based criminal organization. According to a press release published Friday, May 29, by David Amiel, Minister of Action and Public Accounts, the group was attempting to establish a new narcotics route connecting Thailand to the European continent.
The investigation began when the DNRED identified a suspicious container arriving from Thailand and destined for the GPMM. During unloading on May 18, the Maritime Targeting Center and Marseille operational units discovered 1,456 heat-sealed bags.
Tests confirmed the presence of over 1.8 tonnes of cannabis. The narcotics were concealed within a five-tonne shipment of textiles and rubber boots.
The Strategy of “Controlled Delivery”
While the drugs were destined for the port of Barcelona, authorities did not seize the shipment immediately. Under the authority of the Marseille JIRS and the Aix-en-Provence prosecutor’s office, an “international controlled delivery” operation was launched.
To avoid alerting the traffickers, customs agents secured the drugs but kept the container within the commercial circuit, adhering to the original delivery schedule. The container reached a warehouse near Barcelona on May 21.
On May 24, as members of the network gathered at the warehouse to retrieve the merchandise, Spanish customs intervened. Five individuals were arrested, including two Chinese nationals, two Spanish citizens, and one freight forwarder.
A Pattern of Franco-Spanish Cooperation
This operation is part of a broader trend of successful cooperation between France and Spain. In July 2025, a similar joint effort between Marseille and Spanish customs led to the seizure of 138 kg of cocaine at the GPMM, which dismantled a criminal flow originating in South America.
Minister David Amiel praised the professionalism of the agents, stating, “This exemplary operation illustrates the very high level of expertise of the DNRED and French Customs as a whole.”
Potential Future Developments
Following the dismantling of this Thailand-to-Europe route, authorities may increase surveillance on similar textile and rubber goods shipments from Southeast Asia. It is also likely that further investigations will be conducted to determine if the arrested individuals are linked to other active networks in Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the estimated value of the seized cannabis?
The cannabis herb is estimated to have a resale value of 17 million euros.
How did the traffickers hide the drugs?
The 1,456 heat-sealed bags of cannabis were concealed within a five-tonne shipment of rubber boots and textiles.
Who was arrested during the operation?
Five people were apprehended by Spanish customs: two Chinese nationals, two Spanish citizens, and one freight forwarder.
Do you believe international “controlled delivery” operations are the most effective way to dismantle organized crime networks?