The police operation on February 17 resulted in 10 arrests and the seizure of 6,500 kilos of mastic, locally known as mata. Investigators state the group used the vegetation to conceal large quantities of marijuana being transported to the Netherlands.
Authorities seized 160,000 euros in cash and blocked 23 properties and 22 vehicles linked to the scheme. The network allegedly extracted nearly 1,000 tons of the plant from protected natural areas like Baix Ebre between 2020 and 2021.
The investigation, supported by Europol, also revealed that the group employed 250 unregistered workers. Furthermore, police are looking into the death of a man in December 2025 associated with the illegal harvesting activities.
