Due to low wholesale prices, European drug smugglers are trying to manipulate the market by burying cocaine instead of selling it.
In December, authorities in southwest Spain discovered two shipping containers buried underground, containing seven metric tons of cocaine, valued at 420 million euros.
The cocaine was found on a farm protected by armed guards in Coria del Río, near Seville, after a search by civil guard officials.
One of the cocaine bricks had a devil emoji playing the guitar.
OCCRP explains the factors affecting Europe's cocaine supply in 2025.
Author's summary: European drug gangs bury cocaine due to low prices.