October 11, 2005 — The Guardia Civil of Spain with the
collaboration of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police drug sections in Vancouver
and Halifax, the United States Department of Homeland Security, the Bureau
of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Drug Enforcement
Agency (DEA) has dismantled an international narcotics trafficking organization
which attempted to import 1000 kilograms of cocaine into Spain.
The investigation was initiated in May of 2005 by U.S. law enforcement
agencies who had knowledge of a Canadian based criminal organization
that was in the process of transporting 1000 kilograms of cocaine from
the Carribean to Spain. The RCMP Greater Vancouver Drug Section became
involved very early in the investigation. Once it was confirmed that
the final destination of the cocaine was Spain, American and Canadian
law enforcement officials contacted the Guardia Civil. All three countries
agreed to form an integrated investigative team that would ultimately
bring this international investigation to a successful conclusion.
At the end of September 2005 the Guardia Civil detected the presence
of some members of this criminal organization in the town of Rosas, in
the province of Gerona. On October 6, 2005, in Cambrils, Tarragona, members
of the organization were arrested as they attempted to move the cocaine
from one location to another. From the analysis of documentation seized
it was learned that in addition to Spain, this organization operated
in Holland, France, The United Kingdom as well as the United States and
Canada.
The final results of the operation include the arrest in Spain of four
Canadians and the seizure of 1000 kilograms of highly pure cocaine, high
performance vehicles, computer equipment, as well as documentation and
cash. The names of the individuals arrested in Spain will be disclosed
once their identities have been confirmed. The matter is still under
investigation.
This investigation highlights the RCMP’s commitment to working
in partnership with law enforcement agencies throughout the world to
target criminal organizations operating in Canada and elsewhere.
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Paul NADEAU, Inspector
Officer in Charge of Operations,
Greater Vancouver Drug Section,
5255 Heather Street, Vancouver, B.C.
tel: (604) 264-3002
