A Galician drug network leader was detained at a border crossing between Poland and Ukraine as authorities traced his movements and planned operations. The suspect, connected to Pablo VB, a resident of Vilagarcía, is linked to the organization controlled by Carlos Silla Otero, one of the most active Galician smugglers reported in recent years.
The arrest unfolded through a multinational police effort. National Police teams coordinated with their counterparts in Sweden, France and the Netherlands, under the umbrella of EUROPOL, to execute a high-stakes operation. In an official statement issued early this week, authorities noted that Pablo VB aimed to reach Ukraine to acquire a sailboat intended for a fresh drug trafficking scheme.
Spanish authorities immediately placed an entry ban on the suspect, citing ties with the detainee already in custody. The investigation converged on a history of large cocaine shipments, including a 1,600-kilo seizure around Huelva in January 2021. The National Police described the detainee as historically connected to the Carlos Silla Otero group, a cartel known for large cocaine hauls and for orchestrating a notable sailboat seizure.
Detention linked to Spanish judicial requests
The sequence of events dates back several years and stems from a coordinated inquiry into a criminal organization led by a Colombian drug trafficker. The group was alleged to have imported cocaine from Colombia into Spain for more than a decade, maintaining an expansive network across Europe.
The ongoing probe enabled officers to map the criminal structure the group built in Spain, France and Colombia. Drawing on extensive experience in the illegal cocaine trade, the leader allegedly established a formal front, a legitimate business facade that facilitated European entry for substantial shipments and satisfied the demand of numerous clients.
3,228 kilos of drugs
Following multiple steps in the operation, investigators confirmed that the Colombian organizer arranged a cocaine transfer in waters off Venezuela for eventual distribution to Europe. Reports indicate that more than three tons of cocaine were loaded onto a sailboat. This vessel was associated with a long-time figure linked to the Carlos Silla Otero cartel, who had previously been arrested in Atlantic waters in October 2021 for amassing over 5,500 kilograms of cocaine.
After the drugs were disembarked, law enforcement conducted a broader sweep. A significant portion, 1,623 kilos, was recovered from a garage hidden within the heart of Huelva. Authorities detained two individuals during successive arrests, while the boat’s captain remained on the run. A European Arrest Warrant was issued by the Central Court, mandating the suspect’s surrender to face charges.
Officials noted that the network’s disruptions caused a sharp setback for the Colombian trafficker, who began reconvening meetings to plan new shipment strategies. Jurisdictional teams confirmed ongoing contacts with Swedish associates, including a figure nicknamed “Pablo Escobar the Swede,” who had been arrested the previous June. The operation also involved trusted intermediaries responsible for coordinating with customers and carriers across the route.
Detention in Poland
The leading suspect, associated with the Arousa region, was apprehended by Polish authorities as he attempted to cross from Poland toward Ukraine. He now faces imprisonment to comply with the prepared indictment.
Experts emphasize that the case illustrates a trans-European drug trafficking network that leveraged maritime routes and front companies to move large quantities of cocaine into European markets. The collaboration among police forces across borders highlights how long-running criminal enterprises react under pressure, shifting logistics and alliances to survive investigations and law enforcement pressure. Citation: official statements from EUROPOL and national police services indicate ongoing international cooperation and cross-border seizure data.