20 Alleged Jalisco Cartel Operatives Arrested In Spain For Smuggling 'Large Shipments Of Cocaine And Methamphetamine'

20 alleged operatives of the Jalisco Cartel were arrested in Spain, with authorities claiming they smuggled "large shipments of cocaine and methamphetamine" from South America.

CBS News noted that the drugs would then be distributed in Spain and other European countries. The investigation began earlier this year after police detected drugs being smuggled inside heavy machinery. The latest operation resulted in a seizure of 1.8 tons of cocaine, as well as cash, crypto, weapons and vehicles.

It is the latest case illustrating the growing presence of Mexican cartels in Europe. In September, two Mexican men linked to the Sinaloa Cartel were detained in a meth lab in Poland.

Infobae detailed that the men were spotted at a place that had over 300 liters of the drug, as well as 3 tons of chemical precursors used to produce more.

In late July, the Pentagon warned that cartels have been spotted in Africa, using coastal regions and trade corridors to strengthen their global position.

Infobae noted that the threat has already been noted by AFRICOM, with lieutenant general John W. Brennan Jr. saying Angola and Namibia are among the countries impacted the most.

Infobae detailed earlier in July that the Jalisco and Sinaloa cartels have set up labs to manufacture drugs, especially methamphetamine, and are also training "cooks" to work in them.

Such facilities have been discovered in countries like France, Belgium, Spain and the Netherlands, as well as Poland.