As part of two investigations to investigate the activities of specific establishments, the Guardia Civil has dismantled two cannabis associations in Orihuela Costa. Furthermore, officers have arrested six individuals and are currently conducting investigations into five others for offences against public health that are associated with drug trafficking and membership in a criminal organisation. Additionally, two minors are under investigation for document forgery.
The investigation, which was disclosed yesterday, Monday March 30th, commenced in January of last year when the ROCA Team in Torrevieja established a unit to identify and analyse the activities of these organisations in the region. During the initial phase, officers identified all known associations in the municipality and conducted an analysis of publicly available information. Ultimately, their investigation was directed toward two of these associations due to evidence of illicit activity.
The investigation revealed that these associations were operating under the pretence of non-profit entities, but in reality, they were drug sales points. Consequently, the individuals responsible for these activities acted in an organised manner and with a clear profit motive.
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Two simultaneous investigations were conducted at both associations on March 17th, following the identification of the perpetrators’ involvement, in order to prevent the destruction of evidence and the continuation of criminal activity. Approximately €1,000 in cash, 2.1 kilograms of marijuana, 2.2 kilograms of hashish, 113 hashish pellets, 1,169 marijuana cigarettes, various bags of sweets and chocolates made with these substances, cannabidiol (CBD) containers, and technological equipment and utensils used for packaging and weighing the drugs were seized as a result of these operations.
The investigation of three men and two women, aged 37 to 66, and the arrest of six individuals—three men and three women—were the outcomes of the operation. All are accused of offences against public health that are associated with drug trafficking and membership in a criminal organisation. To ensure the safety and welfare of the residents, both properties were sealed off, and the judicial authorities were requested to close them.
Additionally, two minors, aged 16 and 17, were investigated at one of the premises for an alleged crime of document forgery. They were accused of using a Belgian identity card and a modified Spanish identification document to impersonate adults and obtain entry to the association.
The detainees were released pending trial after being presented before the court.
In the course of the investigations, the Orihuela Local Police, who had conducted an operation at an establishment in the La Regia area a few days prior, collaborated with the officers. The operation resulted in the closure of the premises and the seizure of a variety of items and substances. Upon conducting a comprehensive search, officers discovered and confiscated nearly 6 kilos of marijuana, 300 grams of hashish, 50 grams of hallucinogenic mushrooms, and paraphernalia for the consumption and packaging of drugs. Additionally, they seized currency, which is presumably the result of illicit activity.
The Guardia Civil reiterates its dedication to the eradication of drug sales points that operate under the guise of legality and the struggle against drug trafficking with the implementation of this new operation.
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