Major Dismantling of the ‘Risitas’ Clan in Andalusia
Seville, March 29 (EFE) – In a significant operation, the Civil Guard has successfully dismantled an organization dedicated to international cocaine trafficking, closely linked to the notorious “Risitas” clan. This operation led to the arrest of twenty individuals, including the organization’s leader, after twenty-two searches across various locations, including Algeciras, San Roque, Los Barrios, La Línea (Cádiz), and Marbella (Málaga).
Arrest of the Clan’s Leader
The leader of the criminal organization was apprehended following his previous escape during the “Kiken” operation in 2023, which resulted in the arrest of thirty individuals and the seizure of over 1,000 kilograms of cocaine. However, authorities are still in pursuit of the second leader of the clan, who remains unidentified at this time.
Strategic Evolution of Trafficking Tactics
In a notable shift post the “Kiken” operation, this criminal organization adopted a new strategy by acquiring a commercial transportation company. This move was aimed at creating a stable business facade to minimize suspicion and decrease their exposure within the Port of Algeciras.
Unlike earlier methods where cocaine was concealed in truck cabins, the clan upgraded its tactics by utilizing sophisticated double bottoms under semi-trailers. This advancement served a dual purpose: it enabled clandestine entry for operatives to access and extract the cocaine while simultaneously providing a hidden space for storing bales during transport.
Reduced Exposure Tactics
The new operational approach allowed for more discreet “missing hook” operations, significantly decreasing the vulnerabilities typically associated with visual inspections in truck cabins or cargo warehouses. This evolution in strategy reflects the clan’s adaptability in evading law enforcement efforts.
Past Connections and Recent Seizures
The organization’s operations have previously been linked to the seizure of 445 kilograms of cocaine in October 2025 at the Los Guijos industrial estate in Algeciras, where two clan members were caught in the act of extracting cocaine from a truck’s double bottom.
Extensive Searches and Arrests
With intelligence on locations and their operational network, the Civil Guard executed twenty-two search operations, resulting in the apprehension of twenty individuals. Among those arrested was the notorious “Risitas,” along with several truck drivers who assisted in the extraction process through the lost hook method. Additionally, port stevedores and dockers provided critical inside information, which allowed the organization to maintain a tight grip on activities within the container terminal of the Port of Algeciras.
Ongoing Investigation
The Civil Guard has confirmed that the investigation continues as they aim to identify the second-in-command of the clan and any additional collaborators. This operation, spearheaded by the Organic Judicial Police Unit of the Civil Guard in Algeciras, highlights the persistent complexities of drug trafficking operations in Spain, necessitating ongoing vigilance and enforcement efforts from law enforcement agencies.
As the investigation unfolds, the implications of dismantling such a significant organization can resonate through the drug trafficking landscape, potentially disrupting future operations and trafficking networks.