By Santiago Carneri
Copyright euroweeklynews
Spain’s National Police have dismantled a cell linked to the so-called “Balkan Cartel”, regarded as one of the most dangerous and active criminal organisations from Eastern Europe. The group, operating out of the province of Valencia, had converted a fortress-style mansion in Moixent into a hub for cannabis cultivation and logistics. The profits from these plantations were allegedly reinvested to fund larger-scale operations, including the importation of cocaine.
The investigation began in June 2025, led by the Central UDYCO unit in collaboration with the Special Anti-Drug Prosecutor of Spain’s High Court. It revealed the existence of a branch of the Balkan Cartel in the Mediterranean region. The final phase of the operation resulted in 10 arrests and the dismantling of three indoor cannabis farms across Alicante, Valencia and Murcia.
Officers seized 1,500 plants in various stages of growth, nearly 60 kilos of buds ready for distribution, four vehicles, 17 mobile phones, false Italian documents, a frequency jammer and other equipment linked to drug trafficking.
A “fortress” beyond reach
The Moixent property, described by police as a genuine “fortress”, presented significant challenges for any outside intervention. Its fortified architecture, isolated location and vast extension made it an ideal hideout for criminal activity. Due to these characteristics, the operation required the deployment of the GEO special operations unit, along with aerial support and police dog handlers.
Criminal leadership
At the helm of the network were a father and son. The son, already known to the authorities for importing several tonnes of cocaine from South America, had strong ties to one of the most notorious Balkan crime figures. His father, meanwhile, had a long history as a broker in international drug trafficking networks, particularly between the Balkans and Western Europe, with reported links to Italian organised crime.
According to investigators, cannabis cultivation and distribution was used as a financing method to reinforce the group’s structure and prepare for more ambitious ventures, especially cocaine trafficking.
Production centres across provinces
Over the course of several months, police identified five key locations linked to the network. Two were central to its activities: an industrial warehouse in Crevillent and the fortified mansion in Moixent. Three additional properties were also used for illicit purposes related to cultivation and production.
In early September, investigators detected the arrival of a cultivation specialist from Serbia, raising suspicions that a new harvest was about to begin. As a result, judicial warrants were secured to carry out coordinated raids across all five locations.
Operation results
On Wednesday September 10, 2025, police launched the operation simultaneously in Alicante, Valencia and Murcia. In Moixent, the fortified estate was secured by the GEO unit, ensuring access to the sprawling compound. During the searches, officers uncovered a laboratory under construction that was already housing nearly 1,000 plants.
The operation not only dismantled three large-scale cannabis farms but also dealt a significant blow to the Balkan Cartel’s operations in Spain. Authorities underline that the crackdown represents a step forward in international cooperation against one of Europe’s most powerful organised crime networks.
