Spain arrests cocaine smugglers

By Katya Adler
BBC correspondent, Madrid

Spain has become a gateway for smuggled drugs

Thirteen people have been arrested when more than a ton of cocaine was seized on a ship near Spain's Canary Islands.

Monday's arrests come as part of an on-going criminal investigation by the Spanish narcotics police into a large-scale drug smuggling operation.

The tourist-dense coast to the west and the south of Spain is so notorious in the illegal drug trade that it has been dubbed the Costa del Crime.

But the north-western Galicia region is equally favoured by drug-traffickers.

Gateway

Police made their arrests on Monday as part of an ongoing investigation in to a Galicia-based drug-smuggling ring.

The alleged gang-leader, Ramiro Somoza - a well-known suspected criminal in Spain - was amongst the 13 people apprehended.

A spokesman for the local drugs and organised crime police unit said the cocaine seized probably originated in Colombia.

Spain's proximity to North Africa and its close ties with Colombia have made it an important gateway for international drug dealers.

But with a general election fast-approaching and many Spaniards worried about drugs, delinquency and crime, the authorities are keen to flex their muscles.

After all, a recent Europe-wide survey showed cocaine consumption is higher in Spain than any other European country.