A gang, producing underwater drones to be used in drug smuggling from Morocco to Spain via the Strait of Gibraltar, was busted after a 14-month long operations, the Spanish police announced. Eight people were detained in Cadiz, Malaga and Barcelona, ​​including a father who is a qualified helicopter pilot, and his son. “These devices make it possible for drug smugglers to transport large quantities of drugs remotely across the Strait of Gibraltar,” a statement said. Three underwater drones, which can carry up to 200 kilograms of drugs, were seized during the raid on a warehouse where the drones were made, one of which was completed and 2 of which were under construction. The underwater drone, whose construction was completed, was intended to be delivered to a French gang to be used in cocaine smuggling, the statement added.

The underwater drones have a GPS system and can be operated by drug traffickers from anywhere in the world. The gang members, who are stated to have specialized in the construction of a wide variety of air, land and sea vehicles, especially for the transport of drugs, are accused of supplying the vehicles to criminal organizations in Denmark, Italy, France and Spain.

Further, a large amount of drugs, more than 157,300 euros in cash and 6 drones were also seized in the operation.