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Date Published: 27/02/2025

Police catch killers of two Brits in La Manga speedboat crash last year

There is justice for the victims of the La Manga del Mar Menor motorway crash as 17 people have been arrested in a human trafficking and drug smuggling operation linked to the fatal accident

Police in Spain have dismantled a criminal organisation involved in human trafficking and smuggling following a months-long investigation into a fatal accident on the RM-12 motorway in Murcia’s La Manga del Mar Menor that claimed the lives of two British tourists.

The incident occurred on November 16, 2024, when a trailer carrying a high-speed inflatable boat obstructed the RM-12 motorway near Cabo de Palos, causing a multi-vehicle collision.

Two British tourists, aged 49 and 57, lost their lives, while 11 others suffered varying degrees of injury. The driver of the off-road vehicle fled the scene, prompting an extensive investigation.

Operation ‘Narbox-Alakman’

Since October, the Guardia Civil and National Police have been conducting ‘Narbox-Alakman’, an operation targeting a criminal network engaged in human trafficking using high-speed boats.

This network was linked to the La Manga motorway crash and is believed to have facilitated irregular migration from North Africa to Spain.

The investigation revealed that the vehicle towing the boat in the fatal accident had its registration changed to evade detection. Furthermore, a modified electrical system allowed the vehicle’s rear lights to remain off while the front lights were on, enabling it to operate covertly and avoid police pursuit.

On Tuesday February 25, 2025, authorities carried out coordinated raids in Molina de Segura (Murcia), Elche and Rojales (Alicante). Seventeen suspects were arrested for offences including homicide, injuries, road safety violations, illegal possession of weapons, drug trafficking, smuggling, document forgery and promoting illegal immigration.

During the searches, police seized two vehicles, including the one involved in the fatal crash, along with a shotgun, a revolver and ammunition. Other confiscated items included 15 mobile phones, beacons, cocaine and hashish, precision scales and over €3,000 in cash.

Investigators discovered that the criminal network operated a well-structured system for human trafficking. High-powered Phantom-type boats, capable of crossing the Strait of Gibraltar in four to five hours, were used to transport migrants.

The gang utilised stolen vehicles with falsified documentation and divided responsibilities among members, including boat preparation, storage and front men providing a guise of legitimacy.

Months of investigation and surveillance

The probe actually began on October 6, 2024, before the fatal crash, when three individuals were arrested on the same La Manga motorway towing an inflatable boat and carrying 14 petrol cans, GPS equipment, a satellite phone, clothes and food.

This discovery raised suspicions of a planned migrant transport operation and prompted surveillance of suspected individuals and locations.

Following the La Manga crash in November, authorities intensified their investigation, identifying the vehicle responsible and tracking its movements. This led to the identification of multiple suspects and safe houses linked to the criminal group.

Justice for the victims

The dismantling of the organisation brings some measure of justice to the victims and their families. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to combating human trafficking networks operating along Spain’s coastline, ensuring that those responsible for endangering lives face legal consequences.

The investigation remains ongoing, with further arrests not ruled out as authorities continue to dismantle related criminal activities in the region.

Images: Guardia Civil/Policía Nacional

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