Police Seize Gang That Moved Cocaine In Flowerpots

This footage shows how a policeman cracks open a flowerpot holder using a sledgehammer and finds slabs of cocaine inside.

The Spanish National Police reported seizing 82 kilogrammes (181 lb) of cocaine encased in flowerpots in Madrid and nearby towns.

The drugs had entered Spain through the port of Malaga after being shipped from the Dominican Republic.

As part of the operation, nine people accused of trafficking hashish, marijuana, and cocaine were arrested.

In addition, five homes were raided, two indoor marijuana plantations were dismantled, and more than EUR 13,000 (GBP 11,400) in cash was seized.

Spain's National Police Corps said in a statement obtained by Newsflash: "National Police officers have seized 82 kilogrammes of cocaine hidden in flowerpot holders in an operation against a criminal organisation allegedly dedicated to small- and medium-scale drug trafficking - hashish, marijuana, and cocaine - in Madrid and several nearby towns. The investigation was carried out in two phases during which a total of nine people were arrested, five home searches were conducted, two indoor marijuana plantations were dismantled, and over 13,000 euros in cash were seized.

"The investigation began in 2022 around a group of individuals who allegedly formed a well-structured criminal organisation dedicated to drug trafficking in Madrid and several towns in the north. Once the organisation's leadership was identified, its main members were discovered to have planned to introduce a significant amount of cocaine into Spain, originating from the Dominican Republic, hidden in a container through the port of Malaga.

"The shipment was destined for an industrial park located in Coslada, Madrid Province. Through coordination channels between several police units, a police control and monitoring device was established for the container, which was intercepted, locating 82 kilogrammes of cocaine hidden in flowerpot holders inside.

"The investigation into the top leaders of this criminal organisation allowed the discovery of other criminal activities they were involved in, related to drug trafficking, revealing an entire network of acquisition, storage, and subsequent sale of narcotic substances, including illegal marijuana cultivation.

"Finally, the officers launched a police operation in Madrid and other municipalities in the province, consisting of more than 40 police officers. In this second phase of the operation, seven members of the criminal network were arrested, five home searches were conducted, two indoor marijuana plantations were dismantled, and over 13,000 euros in cash were seized."