Spanish police arrest dozens as drug traffickers pretend to be delivering aid to Ukraine

By Alyssa McMurtry

OVIEDO, Spain (AA) – Spanish police said Monday that they busted a criminal organization that pretended to deliver humanitarian aid to Ukraine as a way to sell cannabis across Europe.

Police arrested 30 people in the Spanish region of Andalusia from Ukraine, Germany, Spain, and Morocco.

“They would hide the intoxicating substance in cardboard boxes, disguising the drugs as supplies and humanitarian aid destined for Ukraine,” said the police statement.

“These boxes were transported in vans pretending to be part of an aid convoy so police and border controls wouldn’t notice them.”

But within Spain, the police caught wind of a “group of Ukrainian nationals” gathering large quantities of cannabis in Andalusia and selling it across Europe.

After investigating further, police arrested four people who were driving in Ukraine-licensed vans and carrying 109 kilograms (249 pounds) of weed.

From there, police made more arrests and raids in several locations.

In total, authorities found 2,500 cannabis plants, six guns and €800,000 ($845,000) in cash.

Those arrested face charges including drug trafficking, possessing illegal weapons and belonging to a criminal organization.

Two suspects also attempted to flee during their arrest, even ramming a police vehicle with their car, causing minor injuries to two police officers. They face the additional charge of assaulting an officer.