Spanish authorities have arrested two suspected human traffickers accused of attempting to smuggle migrants from the North African enclave of Ceuta to mainland Spain using high-speed watercraft.
According to reports, one suspect was arrested after allegedly using a jet ski to transport migrants, while another was intercepted while piloting a speedboat carrying 11 Moroccan nationals.
The migrants had reportedly entered Ceuta from Morocco earlier in the week during a mass influx that saw around 60,000 people cross into the Spanish territory. The Spanish Civil Guard intercepted the speedboat before it could reach mainland Spain and escorted the vessel back to Ceuta.
Witnesses claimed the individual operating the speedboat was under the age of 18. However, authorities have not revealed the identities or nationalities of the two suspects, and it remains unclear whether they have been remanded in custody or granted bail. The sea crossing between Ceuta and mainland Spain takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes by jet ski.
Spanish security agencies have previously dismantled trafficking networks that used jet skis to ferry migrants across the Strait of Gibraltar, with officials estimating that smugglers charge up to £3,500 per person for the dangerous journey.
The arrests come amid an unprecedented migration surge that has overwhelmed Ceuta, a Spanish enclave with a population of about 84,000. Residents described chaotic scenes as thousands of migrants occupied streets, parks and other public spaces across the city.
Speaking to Spanish broadcaster RTVE, one business owner said local authorities struggled to contain the situation.
“They had no capacity to control the chaos and migrants are now bathing in public fountains and sleeping in the streets. It’s like an apocalypse. Waves of people everywhere.”
Authorities said at least 72 people lost their lives during the mass crossing, with many drowning while attempting the sea journey and others reportedly killed in a stampede near a beach border crossing.
Thousands of children were believed to be among those who entered Ceuta, with many reportedly influenced by social media posts claiming they would automatically receive Spanish citizenship upon reaching the enclave. Others were seen clinging to trucks as they crossed the border.
Spanish officials said more than 49,000 migrants have since returned to Morocco.
