Why Are Some European Drug Gangs Burying Cocaine Instead of Selling It?

European Drug Gangs' Unconventional Strategy

Some European drug gangs have resorted to burying cocaine instead of selling it due to low wholesale prices across the continent.

In December, authorities in southwest Spain discovered two shipping containers buried underground at a farm, containing seven metric tons of cocaine worth approximately 420 million euros.

One of the cocaine bricks found had a devil emoji playing the guitar.

This unusual approach is reportedly an attempt to manipulate the market, as explained by OCCRP, which highlights the factors affecting Europe's cocaine supply in 2025.

A notable example of this phenomenon occurred when civil guard officials followed a boat's cargo upriver to the farm, where the hidden containers were uncovered.

Author's Summary

European drug gangs are burying cocaine due to low prices.

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Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project — 2025-11-05

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