Drug Boats on the Costa Tropical - Why smugglers are moving further along Spain's Coast

About this episode

This episode explores the rise of drug smuggling boats on Spain's Costa Tropical and the implications for local policing and tourism.

Drug-boats on Spain's Costa Tropical? In this episode of Spanish Practices , I explore the recent surge of high-speed drug smuggling boats — known as narcolanchas — appearing around Almuñécar and La Herradura . You'll hear how increased policing around Tarifa may be pushing traffickers further along the Andalusian coast, why the rugged coastline offers perfect hiding places, and what the Guardia Civil are doing to fight back. I also explore the positive side of the Costa Tropical — its history, tourism boom, beautiful beaches, and why Almuñécar remains one of southern Spain's most fascinating destinations.

People in this episode

Host: John Metson

Topics covered

• drug smuggling
• Costa Tropical
• policing
• tourism
• Andalusia
• coastline

Keywords

• drug boats
• narcolanchas
• smuggling
• Costa Tropical
• Almuñécar
• La Herradura
• Guardia Civil
• policing
• tourism

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Guardia Civil

Places: Costa Tropical, Almuñécar, La Herradura, Tarifa, Spain, Andalusian coast, southern Spain

More episodes of Spanish Practices – Living in Spain: Real Life, Real Spain

• In praise of ibérico ham - ExPat life in Spain · June 13, 2026 · 14 min
• Barcelona Is Killing Airbnb? Where Smart Holiday Let Investors Are Moving Next - Real ExPat Life - Real Spain · June 10, 2026 · 11 min
• Smoking in Spain: Cigarettes, Cannabis and Chaos · June 6, 2026 · 12 min
• The Great Paella Scandal – Spain vs Jamie Oliver! · June 3, 2026 · 18 min
• The Dark Side of Benidorm, Drugs, Muggings and Prostitution · May 30, 2026 · 11 min
• The Biggest Mistake Visitors Make at the Alhambra in 2026 · May 27, 2026 · 13 min