Thirteen people were arrested in Catalonia—seven of whom are of Mexican origin and linked to the CJNG—during a joint operation by Spanish and French police; a clandestine laboratory used to manufacture methamphetamine was also discovered.
Authorities reported that 2.5 tons of the drug, identified as methamphetamine, were seized during the operation.
It was also discovered that the criminal organization had smuggled the methamphetamine into Spain inside plastic bottles containing approximately twelve tons of vanilla essence—a product used in food and cosmetics—shipped from Mexico.
Six vehicles, nearly 4,500 euros, extensive chemical and industrial equipment, various products and reagents, and numerous mobile phones were confiscated.
