The Policía Nacional has arrested three suspects in A Pobra do Caramiñal (A Coruña) arrested three men, including the suspected leader of the clan Os Fanchos, and seized 1,410 kilograms of cocaine . The authorities confirmed this on Monday. In addition to the cocaine, around 100 grams of heroin, cash and other evidence were seized.
According to police, the investigation began on Thursday, 20 August, when they received information that two boats had brought a large drug shipment ashore via a beach in A Pobra do Caramiñal. Investigators then kept several suspects under surveillance. At around 6.55 am on Friday, they saw a vehicle arrive at the main suspect’s home, followed shortly afterwards by a van; packages were then moved from a shed to another house. When officers intervened, they seized the drug consignment, wrapped in plastic, and arrested the three men.
The Policía Nacional led the operation and cited cooperation with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). According to media and agency reports, the arrested men are accused of involvement in a criminal organisation and drug trafficking. Two of the suspects were due to appear on Monday, 24 August, before the competent court in Ribeira . The court will decide on any remand in custody and further investigative measures; the presumption of innocence applies.
The case highlights Galicia’s continued importance in the European cocaine trade. Transhipment and storage points are repeatedly uncovered in the province of A Coruña. The Os Fanchos clan has appeared for years in investigation files concerning maritime smuggling routes. The reference to the DEA also points to cross-border supply chains, although little is yet known about the origin and route of the shipment now seized.
For context: in Galicia cocaine seizures rose by 386 per cent in 2025 to 9.3 tonnes. The current investigation is focusing on the origin and final destination of the 1,410 kilograms of cocaine, possible further suspects and the precise distribution process after the drugs were brought ashore. No further official details about the accused or the sums of money seized were initially available.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).