Updated

The Interior Ministry says Spanish police working on a joint investigation with the FBI's Boston division have halted an attempt by a major Mexican drug smuggling and distribution ring to establish a European operation.

The ministry says that four alleged members of the Sinaloa cartel, including a cousin of notorious leader Joaquin Archivaldo Guzman, known as "El Chapo," have been arrested in Madrid.

It says Jesus Gutierrez Guzman, Rafael Humberto Valenzuela Celaya, Samuel Valenzuela Zazueta and Jesus Gonzalo Soto Palazuelos were arrested near their hotels in Madrid.

The ministry said Friday that the cartel intended to make Spain a gateway for drug importation and distribution throughout Europe, but investigators intercepted a container carrying  822 pounds of cocaine in July and then moved in to make the arrests.