Stunned customs officers seized cocaine worth an eye-watering £4.2m hidden among car exhaust parts.
They found the haul as they inspected large sacks, each containing about 100 catalytic converters.
The drugs – weighing 170 kg (375 lb) in total – were hidden in the interior of several of the vehicle parts.
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The authorities say their market value likely exceeds €5m (£4.2m), as reported by Need To Know.
The inspection took place on 23 April after the merchandise arrived in Alicante, Spain, from Brazil.
It was the culmination of an operation that began in early 2023 after customs officials found a similar import suspicious.
Detectives began looking into the companies importing the vehicle parts.
They soon identified one with “inconsistencies in its economic activity”, as revealed by Spain’s Tax Agency on Tuesday (27 May)
The suspects were tracked down to Callosa del Segura, south-west of Alicante.
The authorities say they belong to a criminal organisation with bosses in South America.
Detectives discovered a number of warehouses they allegedly used to distribute the drugs.
As well as seizing the cocaine, the police arrested two suspects.
They are accused of smuggling, public health violations, and membership in a criminal organisation.
Officers also seized 1,115 catalytic converters, several electronic devices, and documents as part of the operation.
The drugs have been sent for analysis and further arrests may follow.
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