One of the Canary Islands' most active drug traffickers has been arrested following a major joint operation that dismantled an international criminal network responsible for flooding the archipelago with tonnes of hashish.

The large-scale investigation, carried out by the National Police and Guardia Civil, resulted in the seizure of more than 7,500 kilograms of hashish and dealt one of the most significant blows to organised drug trafficking in the Canary Islands in recent years.

Investigators began tracking the network at the end of 2025 after separate intelligence operations by both police forces identified the same high-profile target. Realising they were pursuing the same criminal organisation, the agencies combined resources and intelligence, launching an eight-month investigation that ultimately brought down the group.

According to investigators, the network operated across several continents, maintaining links with suppliers and associates in South America, North Africa and southern mainland Spain. The organisation reportedly employed sophisticated counter-surveillance tactics, including changing mobile phones daily, rotating rental vehicles and monitoring key coastal unloading points across the islands.

Despite these measures, officers successfully carried out five separate operations targeting different stages of the group's activities in Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. Together, the interventions removed more than 7.5 tonnes of hashish from circulation and significantly disrupted the gang's financial operations.

The most dramatic phase of the investigation took place during the early hours of 11th May on the coast of Sardina del Norte in the municipality of Gáldar, Gran Canaria.

Using maritime radar systems and ground surveillance teams, officers detected a powerful twin-engine inflatable speedboat heading towards the shoreline at high speed. The vessel was reportedly loaded with bales of hashish ready to be transferred into waiting vehicles.

A coordinated police operation was launched as the unloading began. Officers moved in and surrounded the beach, arresting nine individuals allegedly involved in handling the shipment.

The operation also led to the seizure of the speedboat and more than 3,000 kilograms of hashish from that single delivery alone.

Authorities say the investigation has exposed the scale and sophistication of the criminal networks using the Canary Islands as a strategic gateway for drug trafficking routes between Africa and mainland Europe. Further details of the operation and additional arrests are expected to be released as the case progresses.