Fuel network smashed: Eight arrested after Axarquia narco-boat operation uncovers 5,740 litres of petrol

A suspected fuel-supply network serving drug-running inflatable speedboats has been dismantled in Axarquia, with eight people arrested after investigators uncovered thousands of litres of petrol and an armed confrontation with police.

Operation Panceta targeted a group accused of storing, transporting and supplying fuel to ‘narcolanchas’, fast inflatable boats used by drug-smuggling organisations along the Spanish coast.

Four arrests were made in Malaga Province, three in Algeciras, Cadiz, and one at the El Tarajal border crossing in Ceuta. Those detained, five men and three women, are suspected of offences including attempted homicide, assault on police officers, drug-related crimes, road safety offences and illegal weapons possession.

Torrox warehouse held thousands of litres of fuel

Investigators traced the network to an agricultural warehouse in Torrox, allegedly used to store petrol and keep boats and equipment. Officers moved in during May and caught two people unloading fuel. Police say four other suspected members arrived in two cars and opened fire. Officers returned fire, but nobody was hit.

The suspects escaped, although one car struck an unrelated motorcyclist during the getaway, leaving the rider injured. Investigators later traced both vehicles and identified people allegedly connected to the group.

A search of the warehouse resulted in the seizure of 5,740 litres of fuel in containers, two inflatable high-speed boats, outboard motors and bags of food prepared for the crews.

Petrol station employee among those arrested

Further enquiries led investigators to a petrol station in Algarrobo, where an employee is suspected of helping the organisation obtain large quantities of fuel. She was among those arrested.

Officers continued looking for suspects after the May incident, with some allegedly going into hiding. A second phase led to four further arrests, including three in Algeciras and one at the Ceuta border.

The case shows how drug-smuggling groups depend on support networks on land, not just fast boats at sea. Fuel supplies, storage facilities, vehicles and provisions can all help keep maritime trafficking operations running.

Police reported no gunshot injuries, although the motorcyclist was hurt in the vehicle collision. The eight suspects are being investigated over their alleged roles in the network.