Spanish authorities have recently dismantled a significant operation linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a powerful Mexican drug trafficking organization. The initiative led to the arrest of 20 individuals associated with the cartel, which the United States has labeled a terrorist organization.
Details of the Operation Against the CJNG
The crackdown was executed by Spanish police in coordination with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Dutch law enforcement. The investigation began earlier this year after authorities discovered drug shipments concealed within heavy industrial machinery.
- Date of Operation: Recent week in November 2025
- Locations: Estates near Madrid and Avila Province, Spain
- Arrests: 20 individuals, including two targets prioritized by the DEA
Seized Contraband
During the operation, law enforcement officials confiscated substantial amounts of narcotics and other illegal materials:
- 1.8 tons of cocaine
- 375 kilograms of methamphetamine
- €275,000 in cash
- Cryptocurrency worth $15,000 USD
- 3 firearms
- 15 vehicles
- 14 kilograms of silver
Background on the Jalisco New Generation Cartel
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel has emerged as a central player in the global drug trade. Earlier this year, the U.S. government classified CJNG as a “foreign terrorist organization,” primarily due to its involvement in trafficking fentanyl and other lethal drugs. The cartel’s leader, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, commonly known as “El Mencho,” remains a high-priority target for law enforcement.
Criminal Activities
Reports indicate that CJNG has utilized deceptive recruitment practices, such as fake job advertisements, to attract new members. The cartel has also been accused of extreme violence, involving the torture and execution of those who do not comply with its directives.
Spain’s Role in Drug Trafficking
Spain serves as a crucial gateway for both North African hashish and South American cocaine entering Europe. This strategic location has made it a hub for various international criminal organizations. Just last month, Spanish police confiscated 6.5 tons of cocaine and arrested nine suspects following a tip-off from U.S. authorities that led to an operation against a vessel near the Canary Islands.
The collaboration between the DEA and Spanish police underscores the ongoing battle against drug trafficking organizations operating in Europe.
