Major Drug Seizure: 375 Kilos of Hashish Found in Van on TF-1 Motorway in Tenerife

A routine traffic stop on the TF-1 motorway in south Tenerife led to the astonishing discovery of 375 kilograms of hashish, a significant drug bust that has raised concerns about drug trafficking in the region.

Traffic Stop Turns into Drug Bust

Officers from the Guardia Civil in Granadilla de Abona were conducting standard traffic checks when they intercepted a van that had flagged up for not having valid insurance or ITV (MOT). The vehicle was driven by a 35-year-old man, who was accompanied by a 24-year-old woman. Their nervous behavior during the stop immediately raised suspicions among the officers.

Upon further inspection, the officers decided to examine the cargo area of the van. Inside, they discovered several cardboard boxes that were concealing tightly packed bundles of drugs. The sheer volume of hashish found in the vehicle was staggering and indicative of a larger drug trafficking operation.

Legal Consequences of Drug Trafficking

According to police sources, the magnitude of the haul left officers “in disbelief,” particularly since the van was not legally fit to be on the road. Both occupants were promptly arrested on charges of drug trafficking. The seized substances have been placed at the disposal of the court for further legal proceedings.

Hashish, which contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is classified as a substance that causes serious harm to health under Article 368 of Spain’s Penal Code. This classification underscores the legal ramifications associated with the production, trafficking, or distribution of such drugs. Those convicted of these offenses face prison sentences ranging from three to six years, along with fines that can reach up to three times the value of the confiscated drugs. In this case, the financial penalties could amount to hundreds of thousands of euros, reflecting the serious nature of the crime.

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation into this significant drug bust remains ongoing as authorities work diligently to determine the origin and intended destination of the narcotics. Law enforcement officials emphasize that combating drug trafficking is a top priority, and they are committed to pursuing all leads to dismantle such operations.

This incident not only highlights the effectiveness of routine traffic checks but also underscores their importance in ensuring road safety. These checks play a crucial role in law enforcement by uncovering significant amounts of illegal substances, thereby contributing to the broader fight against drug-related crimes.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are likely to delve deeper into the networks involved in drug trafficking, seeking to identify any accomplices or larger syndicates that may be operating in the area. The discovery of such a large quantity of hashish raises questions about the scale of drug distribution in Tenerife and the potential risks posed to the community.

Key Points

• A routine traffic stop on the TF-1 motorway led to the seizure of 375 kilograms of hashish.
• The van was stopped for not having valid insurance or ITV.
• Two occupants, a 35-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman, were arrested for drug trafficking.
• The drugs were found in cardboard boxes in the cargo area of the van.
• Hashish is classified as a harmful substance under Article 368 of Spain’s Penal Code.
• Convictions for drug trafficking can result in prison sentences of three to six years.
• The investigation is ongoing to determine the drugs’ origin and destination.