IBERIAN PENINSULA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP06S01901R000100040001-2
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 49
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 31, 2012
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: March 1, 1987
• Content Type: REPORT

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U.S. Department of Justice DEA SENSITIVE
Drug Enforcement Administration
Office of Intelligence
Special Report
MARCH 1987
Iberian Peninsula
DEA SENSITIVE
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION
OFFICE OF INTELLIGENCE
WARNING!
Material marked DEA-Sensitive (DS) is information that
does not qualify for classification as National Security
Information. It nevertheless requires special pro-
tection against unauthorized or inadvertent disclosure
to protect sources and methods of investigative ac-
tivity, evidence, and the integrity of pre-trial case
reports. DS material may be disseminated only to those
persons in your agency having a bona fide need-to-know.
Further, DS material must be stored in a locked con-
tainer and destroyed by shredding or burning.
Inquiries on this publication should be directed to:
Chief, Strategic Intelligence Section
Drug Enforcement Administration
1405 "I" Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20537
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.ii 11'16.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Country Profile - Spain
1
Country,Profiler- Portugal
. 22
Major Points of Origin for:
Appendix A - Cocaine
39
Appendix B - Cannabis
40
Appendix C - Heroin
41
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COUNTRY PROFILE
SPAIN
Prepared by:
Drug Enforcement Administration
Office of Intelligence
Europe/Mideast Unit
March, 1987
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La Corolla
8
4
Bay of Biscay
astropo

Gjje,11
Santander
San
Sebastian
Toulouse
'Montpellier
,..._
Marseille T
rbonn
?, Gulf of Lion
Pontevellra
Vigo
c?d
NORTH
ATLANTIC
OCEAN
rense
Logro o
Burgos
Aranda
Valladolid,-._ Duero
aragoza
Gera a
,ofs
Galata u
Salamana,
drid
Tarancdn
Mere
.Ciudad
Real
Albacete
el,' a
ir Taviruel00
de Cadiz
d
Golfo
3Jerez de lad re
.0^
IF Frontere
Canary Islands
La Palma
Santa
uertaventura
Cruz, Las
Palmas
-28 ,-??
iota
' dole
: Camera
4) Ferro nerd? i i
.,, G ran
18 , (0 Canaria 14
,
-(-
8
Base 504978 (546706) 3-82
Cadiz
A iras .4/Gibraltar
(U.K.)
Strait of Gibraltar
ranad
ntequera
d,Alril?13
?
Mdlaga
Ceuta
Tangier? (Sp.)
Tetouan
tvibR
-----
Isla de Alboran
(Sp.)
Al H. _,oceIma 1) Melilla
Alicante
Cartagena
Tarragona
Barcelona
Pert-Boa
Balearic .
Sea -
-----
Palma
de Majorca
Mallorca ,
'Isla de
Cabrera
Mediterranean
Sea
BALEARIC
ISLANDS
Ibiza
Isla de
Formentera
Mostaganem
- ALGERI-A
Spain
International boundary
* National capital
Railroad
Road
O 50 100 Kilometers
I I II Li I i
O 50 100 Mlles
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Synopsis
Country Description
Country Background
IV. Status in International Traffic
V. Licit Production
VI. Drugs of Abuse
A. Cocaine 6
B. Cannabis 7
C. Heroin 9
Page
1
3
5
VII. Seizure Statistics
VIII. Drug Prices
IX. Involvement of Terrorist Groups
X. Drug Enforcement Agencies
XI. Legal And Legislative Developments
XII. Domestic Addiction and Treatment
XIII. Financial
Caveat
12
12
14
15
16
17
19
Drug production, import/export, and consumption es-
timates contained herein may be preliminary and are not
intended for use in testimony, speeches, or for public
dissemination. Data contained in the Narcotics In-
telligence Estimate, published by the National Narcotics
Intelligence Consumers Committee, should be used for
those purposes.
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I. SYNOPSIS
(U) Over the last few years, Spain has evolved into a
major transshipment country for cocaine as well as for
heroin and cannabis. Spain was the leading nation in
Europe in the amount of cocaine seized in 1985, the
seizures doubled in 1986, and all indications are that
the country will continue to be a major nexus for the
South American cocaine traffic into Europe. Spain's
admission to the European Economic Community (EEC) as of
January 1, 1986, will significantly contribute to an
even larger role as a drug transfer and transshipment
center, especially if the EEC proceeds with its plan to
abolish all internal national borders by 1990. Cor-
respondingly, Spain will probably experience an increase
in its addict population.
(DS) The Spanish media reported that during the first
six months of 1986, there were about 9,450 arrests,
3,000. more than the half-yearly average in 1985. During
the same time period in 1986, about 243 kilograms (kg)
of cocaine were confiscated whereas the figure for the
half-year average in 1985 was 151 kg. The figures for
LSD were 18,500 doses in the first six months of 1986 as
compared to 3,069 for the half-year average in 1985; for
hashish the figures were 22,000 kg in the first half of
1986 versus 17,630 kg for the half-year average in 1985.
II. COUNTRY DESCRIPTION
(U) The Spanish State (or Estado Espanol, the official
name), occupies approximately five-sixths of the Iberian
Peninsula in southwestern Europe. It borders France in
the north and Portugal in the west. Spain, consisting
of the Spanish Peninsula, the Canary and Balearic
Islands (located in the Atlantic Ocean and in the
Mediterranean Sea, respectively), and Spanish North
Africa, encompasses an area of about 504,782 square
kilometers (194,897 square miles), and has a combined
population of approximately 39 million. Spanish North
Africa consists of a few small enclaves in Morocco, the
two major ones being Ceuta and Melilla. Ceuta has, a
population of approximately 68,822 (March 1984 figure),
inhabiting 19.5 square kilometers. This duty-free port
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is located directly opposite Gibraltar. Melilla
(encompassing an area of 12.5 square kilometers) and the
three rocky islets of Penon de Velez, Penon de
Alhucemas, and Chafarinas have a total population of
54,741 .(March 1982 figure).
(U) The Spanish Peninsula is divided into 47 provinces
(there are 50 provinces in the entire Spanish ter-
ritory). The century-old regional divisions, however,
are of much greater importance to Spain; so much so that
the constitution promulgated in 1978 expressly re-
cognizes and guarantees Spain's different nationalities
and regions the right of autonomy. This regionalism has
resulted in the development of different languages and
cultures within the country.
(U) Spain has traditionallybeen ruled by kings;
although the throne was vacant from 1931 to 1975. In
1939, 'Francisco Franco was named head of state.
Generalissimo Franco solidified his rule during the
Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and emerged as absolute
dictator, a role which he retained for most of the rest
of his life. During his reign, political parties were
outlawed in the country.
(U) In 1967, Spain held the first elections since the
end of the Civil War. In 1969, Franco nominated Don
Juan Carlos de Borbon y Borbon as chief of state
designate. On November 22, 1975, two days after
Franco's death, Juan Carlos was sworn in asking.
(U) The ascendancy of King Juan Carlos I facilitated
numerous reforms, culminating in the promulgation of the
constitution in 1978. The constitution confirmed Spain
as a parliamentary monarchy (hereditary) with freedom
for political parties. The King as head of state
appoints the previously elected President of the
government (Prime Minister). Legislative power is
vested in the Cortes Generales (National Assembly) which
consists of the Congress of Deputies and the Senate.
(U) The Spanish economy is heavily dependent on
tourism. In 1985, about 42,000,000 tourists entered
Spain. Madrid (the capital), Barcelona, Valencia,
Seville, and Zaragoza are the largest cities in Spain
(see page 21).
(DS) Many of the tourists visiting Spain go to the Costa
del Sol and the Balearic and Canary Islands where
marijuana and hashish are readily available.
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III. COUNTRY BACKGROUND
(DS) Spain has traditionally been a transshipment
country for various illicit drugs ultimately destined
for Europe and the United States. The use of the
seaport of Barcelona by the "French Connection" as a
port of entry for Turkish morphine base in the late
1960's and early 1970's, elevated Spain's importance as
a transit point for drugs. The morphine base was sub-
sequently re-routed to French heroin laboratories and
was returned to Barcelona after processing. The final
product, heroin, was then transported either directly to
the United States or via Latin America. The members of
the trafficking organizations operating in Spain during
,this time period were primarily French, French-Corsican,'
Italian, South and United States American.
(DS) Spain remained throughout the 1970's primarily a
transit country. After the French Connection network
was dismantled, the majority of this traffic involved
Moroccan hashish destined for the United States and
Western Europe. Hashish was generally smuggled in large
quantities (500 to 2,000 kg) on ships (private yachts
and mothership-type operations). Both the Balearic and
Canary Islands as well as Gibraltar were regularly used
as refueling and resupply points by the traffickers.
Most of the organizations involved in these ventures
were made up of foreign nationals, primarily from the
Netherlands, the United States, West Germany, Belgium,
and the United Kingdom.
IV. STATUS IN INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC
(DS) In the last six years, however, significant
changes have occurred. Spain is increasingly used as a
base of operations by members of heroin, cocaine, and
hashish cartels. Networks dealing with the importation
and distribution of drugs increasingly consist of
Spanish nationals. In a parallel development, Spain
also has emerged as a consumer nation with a heroin
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LJtA JtNJI I !VC
addiction rate of epidemic proportions, according to
Spanish officials. Ten years ago, heroin abuse was
virtually non-existent.
(DS) The July 1983 revision of the Spanish Penal Code,
which in effect decriminalized the possession of all
drugs for personal use by those 18 years and older, as
well as the de-emphasis of drug enforcement due to
escalating terrorist activities, enhanced the country's
role as a refuge for narcotics traffickers, primarily
Sicilian-Italians, Central and South Americans.
(DS) In April 1984, three major Sicilian Mafia members,
who had invested millions of dollars derived from the
illicit drug trade in a hotel and real estate in the
Alicante area, were arrested in Madrid. Gerona,
Barcelona, Castellon, and Malaga (see page 21) are also
suspected of being' center's for money laundering'op-
erations.
(DS) Iranian, Nigerian, Colombian, Lebanese, Chinese,
Italian, and Sri Lankan groups, among others, utilize
Spain as either a base of operation or as a transit
point. Most of these groups are Affiliated with other
organizations located in major European countries as
well as in North and South America. Although the
majority of these organizations handle only one specific
drug, several are trafficking in multiple drugs.
(U) Sri Lankans, Turks, and Pakistanis are increasingly
involved in narcotic trafficking, both domestically and
internationally. They appear to be concentrated in
Madrid and Barcelona. Barcelona also has a large
concentration of Nigerian traffickers.
(DS) The South American trafficking groups located in
Spain have not only been involved in cocaine trafficking
but also in kidnappings, robberies, and extortion.
Spanish officials consider these groups to be highly
organized and sophisticated. Close cultural and
linguistic ties between Spain and South America, in
addition to excellent direct commercial air connections,
have contributed to Spain's role as the primary European
entry point for couriers smuggling cocaine.
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V. LICIT PRODUCTION
(U) The opium poppy ("Papaver somniferum") is legally
cultivated in Spain. In 1983, 6,297 hectares of poppy
were authorized for planting, but only 3,350 hectares
were actually planted. In 1984, 6,691 hectares were
authorized; again, only an estimated 5,829 were planted.
In 1985, 6,000 hectares were authorized, but only 4,046
were harvested. No information is currently available
concerning the actual acreage of poppies planted in 1985
or 1986.
(DS) Poppies are planted either in October or early
spring (March) and are harvested in June. Seville,
Cadiz, ,and Cordoba (see page 21) are the major growing
centers and produced practically all of the 1985 crop.
(U) At Toledo, Spain (see page 21), the Poppy straw is
converted- into pharmaceutical products, poppy seed oil,,
and seeds for the baking industry. In 1932, the latest
available figure, yields were 320 to 500 kg of straw per
acre.
(DS) Governmental ministries involved in the licit
production have traditionally been and continue to be
very protective of production and export figures, as
well as amounts consumed internally. The control
exercised by the Spanish Government concerning the opium
poppy plant is, however, considered sufficient.
(DS) In 1985,. the Spanish press reported that the
appearance of spontaneous poppy crops on the outskirts
of Madrid during the summer has become a common oc-
currence. In most instances, the seeds are apparently
carried by wind or by birds from other parts of Spain
where the plant is grown under governmental control.
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VI: DRUGS OF ABUSE
A. Cocaine
(DS) The amount of cocaine seized in Spain in 1986 was
more than double the amount seized in 1985 (610 kg in
1986 and 302.5 kg in 1985). Unofficial estimates for
cocaine addicts range from 50,000 to 100,000 for daily
users to about half a million occasional users. Although
this indicates a serious domestic abuse problem, Spain
is also a major transshipment point for the drug. It is
estimated that about 25 percent of all cocaine arriving
in Spain is destined for Amsterdam in the Netherlands
from where it is distributed to the rest of Europe and
to the United States. Cocaine is also transshipped to
Paris, France and Italy for domestic distribution.
(U) Spain is the ideal crossroad for all major drugs,
especially cocaine. The country has dual-nationality
arrangements with some Latin American countries, does
not require visas for citizens of most of these
countries, and has excellent direct flights to the South
American continent.
(DS) Cocaine is imported mostly via commercial -air
carrier from South America. The couriers arrive in
Madrid or Barcelona on direct flights from their home
countries and generally conceal the drug in suitcases
with either false sides or false bottoms. An estimated
52 kg of cocaine were seized in Barcelona alone during
1985.
(DS) Colombian couriers increasingly swallow the drugs
contained in plastic bags of varying. sizes. This method
of concealment has been used sporadically since 1984-85
but is becoming more popular as it is difficult to
detect at ,airports. During the first nine months of
1986, however, seven couriers using this method have
been apprehended at Madrid's airport.
(DS) Cocaine is smuggled increasingly in multi-kilogram
shipments. For example, according to the Spanish press,
7.3 kg of cocaine were seized in Barcelona in May 1986
in a single seizure. Over 22 kg of cocaine were seized
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in June 1986, concealed in three suitcases arriving from
Caracas. The drugs originated in Colombia and were
destined for Italy or Switzerland.
(U) Cocaine is also increasingly imported into Spain
via vessel. In April 1985, for example, approximately
60 kgs of cocaine were found on board a Panamanian-
registered vessel that had come from Colombia and was
heading for the Azores.
(DS) In July 1986, approximately 80 kg of cocaine were
seized from a Colombian cargo vessel at La Coruna, Spain,
-(see page 21). This is the largest single seizure of
cocaine made in Spain to date. According to a Colombian
police source, the cocaine was originally destined for
Houston, Texas, where heavy surveillance by U.S. Customs
prevented offloading. The vessel, therefore, continued
its trip to Spain.
(DS) In another case, Spanish authorities detected 16
kg of cocaine in straws that had been inserted into the
corrugated openings in the sides of cardboard .boxes
which contained ceramic plates. These boxes had been
shipped from Bogota to Madrid. A similar method is used
by Nigerian traffickers sending heroin from Nigeria to
Spain.
(DS) South American cocaine trafficking organizations
also send couriers directly to Portugal. The couriers
cross the border into Spain either by automobile or by
train and then proceed to Amsterdam.
(U) Spanish authorities seized three cocaine processing
laboratories in 1985. Imported cocaine base was refined
into cocaine hydrochloride. In the laboratory con-
fiscated in Gerona, Spain in October 1985, about 16 kg
of pure cocaine were seized. Also seized were some coca
leaves that had been imported from Peru. So far, no
cocaine laboratory seizures have been reported for 1986.
B. Cannabis
(DS) Hashish is imported into Spain primarily from
Morocco, the traditional source country, but also from
Lebanon. Large shipments of hashish are smuggled by
ocean-going vessels; it is believed that multi-ton
quantities pass through Spain every year.
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(DS) Hashish originating in Morocco generally is
transported on fishing boats. These boats approach the
most deserted areas of the Spanish coast where the drugs
are offloaded and then buried on the shores. The boats
depart immediately. The next day, other members of the
organization arrive and pick up the hashish, load it
into private vehicles and take it to a safe place.
(DS) Spanish police seized about 2,000 kg of hashish in
San Sebastian in June 1985. The drug was concealed in a
container shipped from Beirut, Lebanon to the port of
Valencia, Spain. From there, it was trucked to San
Sebastian (see page 21).
(DS) Interpol information shows that about 600 kg of
cannabis, originating in Morocco, were seized in one
seizure near. Malaga in March 1986. The drug, was
concealed in rental cars being shipped from Morocco to
Malaga by ferry.
(U) The port of Algeciras (see page 21) was in the past
a major transit area for cannabis smugglers who trans-
ported the drug concealed either in body cavities or on
the body. The smugglers took the ferry from Ceuta on the
North African coast to the Spanish mainland. Since the
installation of a very efficient x-ray machine, the
traffic has decreased significantly.
(DS) Spain is also used as a transshipment country for
cannabis to other Western European countries. About 515
kg of cannabis obtained in Morocco were seized in April
1986 in Cadiz, Spain, concealed in a vehicle. The
ultimate destination of the drug was Belgium.
(U) In August 1986, Spanish police succeeded in
breaking up a hashish network operating between Morocco
and the United Kingdom. The drugs were trafficked via
the Costa del Sol in Spain. In this particular case,
about 220 kg of hashish were seized by the Spanish
authorities.
(DS) Interpol reports that about 665 kg of hashish were
seized in October 1985 on board the vessel "Boreas"
(Panamanian-registered). The drugs were presumably
transferred to the vessel from another vessel on the
high seas off the coast of Cyprus.
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(U) Thirty tons of marijuana were seized from the
vessel "Lady K" in the Gulf of Cadiz in April 1985.- The
"Lady K" had arrived from Colombia and was heading for
the Azores.
C. Heroin
(DS) The abuse of heroin has increased significantly in
recent years. Currently, there are an estimated 100,000
heroin addicts in Spain. The country is a major
transshipment point for heroin from Lebanon,
Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and, to a smaller degree,
from Thailand. Most of the heroin arrives in the
country on commercial aircraft and is concealed on the
courier's body. In some instances, the drug is shipped
to Spain from Morocco on vessels. Spanish authorities
are increasingly encountering large, multi-kilogram
shipments of heroin.
(U) In September 1986, the Spanish police seized
approximately 17.5 kg of heroin on the outskirts of
Mostoles (located about 15 kilometers outside of
Madrid), the biggest seizure in Spanish history. In
this case, three Iranians were apprehended. In June
1986, police seized about 16 kg of pure heroin in
Santander.
(DS) One of the main points of entry for the heroin is
Barcelona's airport, El Prat. The drug arrives at El
Prat after transshipment through other European cities,
as there are often no direct flights, from the country-
of-origin to Spain. According to information provided
by the Guardia Civil, 51.6 kg of heroin were seized in
Barcelona alone in 1985.
(DS) Recently, Spanish authorities have encountered
Nigerian heroin couriers arriving from Nigeria.
Nigerian trafficking organizations import the heroin
(mostly of Southwest Asian origin) into Spain via
Nigerian couriers whose preferred method of concealment
is in body cavities. These couriers generally arrive
from Zurich, Switzerland and remain only long enough to
expel the drug, which is commonly concealed in pro-
phylactics. One apprehended Nigerian courier had
succeeded in ingesting 150 of these prophylactics
containing heroin. Another method of shipment involves
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the insertion of tiny straws containing heroin in
corrugated paper used to protect shipments, generally of
commercial products, from Nigeria.
(DS) Barcelona and Madrid are also popular transit and
destination points for Pakistani organizations smuggling
heroin either to other European countries or to the
United States. In February 1985, a Pakistani-run heroin
laboratory was discovered by the Spanish police. The
police seized one kilogram of pure heroin and enough
morphine base and opium to produce an additional 6 kg.
Altogether, three Pakistani heroin laboratories were
discovered by Spanish authorities in 1985.
(DS) Iranian, Syrian, and Lebanese communities have
grown in Spain in recent years. There also has been an
increase in courier activity and in the number of heroin
-distribution organizations among these ethnic groups.
The smuggled heroin is often impregnated in towels,
blankets, etc., and is extracted in Spain before final
shipment to the United States.
(DS) Indian and Sri Lankan nationals are also engaged
in the importation of heroin. In 1985, there was an
increase in the number of Sri Lankan couriers ap-
prehended in Spain. A large number of these Sri Lankans
were identified as ethnic Tamils. They appear to have a
regular supply of heroin from Bombay, India. Two
Indians were apprehended in Madrid in February 1986 in
the possession of over one kilogram of heroin. They had
arrived on an Aeroflot (Soviet airline) flight. The
point of embarkation has currently not been established
by Western authorities. Southwest Asian (SWA) heroin
has also in the past been mailed directly from India,
concealed in packages containing ashtrays and pencils
and similar items.
(DS) According to the Spanish press, Spanish au-
thorities believe that officials assigned to the Syrian
Embassy in Madrid are responsible for the importation of
much of the domestically consumed heroin. A large
amount of drugs was discovered in the car of a Syrian
diplomat. Available press information also indicates
that Spanish authorities have seized about 40 kg of
heroin from the "Syrian connection" since 1982.
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(DS) Malaga, located on the Costa del Sol, also has
turned into a major heroin point-of-entry within the
past few years. In a ten-day period in 1985, about 13
kg of pure heroin were seized at Malaga's international
airport, about three times the total heroin seized in
Malaga in 1980. The couriers arrested at the airport
were mostly from Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, and
Pakistan. The entire Costa del Sol area was very
quickly penetrated by drugs. In 1976, about 100 grams
of heroin were seized in that region. As a comparison,
in the first six months of 1985, about 26 kg were
seized.
(DS) This dramatic increase is partly due to the
region's strategic location across from Morocco. Heroin
enters Spain from Morocco and, as a result, the city of
La Linea de la Concepcion has some of the highest heroin
-consumption rates in Spain.
(DS) In addition, heroin, originally imported into
Portugal from Macau, arrives in Spain via automobile or
train.
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VII. SEIZURE STATISTICS
Seizures (kg)
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
Heroin
34.0
67.6
109.3
102.5
252.6
386.0
Cocaine
47.1
113.6
275.1
149.3
302.5
610.0
Cannabis
20,925.0
27,626.0
20,842.0
19,653.6
Hashish
35,354.0
45,424.0
Marijuana
26,777.6
75.0
Hashish Oil
137.5
Marijuana plants
2,205.0
VIII. DRUG PRICES
1985
Wholesale Retail
Heroin $48,000/kg (10%-25%)
Cocaine $24,000/kg (30%-50%)
Hashish $890-$1,750/kg
Hashish Oil $18,000/kg
LSD
$110-$125/g
$45-$60/g
-$2,50/g
$5 -$7/du
Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/07/31 : CIA-RDPO6S01901R000100040001-2
gAwsNgs vga
Kilograms Seized
60, 000
50, 000
40, 000
30, 000
20, 000
10, 000
Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/07/31 : CIA-RDPO6S01901R000100040001-2
ILLICIT DRUG SEIZURES IN SPAIN
1981 See
Year
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1988
1981
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1982
. 1983
4
1984 1985
Years
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z.-. z , , /_,' ' -/./ 7 .?/._-(:/_.(_Lrz7/2.