Alicante Civil Guard dismantles drug trafficking network in Marina Alta

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In Alicante, the Civil Guard led a major operation against a drug trafficking network tied to the Marina Alta region. The group used a hairdressing salon in Ondara as a cover while dealing with narcotics across several towns. Five suspects were taken into custody, and a sixth person later faced investigations. The operation involved seizures of various drugs and weapons, including a shotgun, a pistol, and a large machete, underscoring the danger posed by the network. The leader was a woman who ran the Ondara salon and reportedly handled money laundering for the organization. A partner, a man on the inner rung of the chain, coordinated distribution to neighboring municipalities. Three others, including two Spaniards and a Romanian, managed street sales, while another Spanish woman played a role in the supply chain. The couple at the heart of the circle resided in a secluded home in Beniarbeig and maintained tight security to monitor any approaching authorities, effectively creating a protective bunker for their operations.

Investigations began in February 2023 after authorities noted a subtle rise in cocaine use among small consumers in the Marina Alta area. To prevent social alarm and quickly identify those responsible, the El Verger Main Station Investigation Area launched what was named Operation Nubuki.

Video surveillance bunker

During the initial phase, investigators narrowed their focus to a Spanish couple living in a hard-to-reach rural area near Beniarbeig. Officials confirmed the residence was secured with robust measures, including a small illegal bunker equipped with a video monitoring system to anticipate the suspects’ moves.

Image of weapons seized in the operation Information

In the follow-up phase, authorities established that the gang marketed drugs across Pego, Pedreguer, Jalón, Denia, Ondara, Orba, Vergel, and Beniarbeig.

In the second phase, after verifying the existence of a criminal network, officers mapped the hierarchy. The top leader, a Spanish woman who owned a hair salon in Ondara, allegedly used the business to launder illicit proceeds. Her partner at the next level managed drug distribution to nearby municipalities. Three men, two Spaniards and one Romanian, plus a Spanish woman, were tasked with selling the drugs to end users.

Balance

On July 25, with the support of the El Vergel Main Station and the ROCA Calpe Team, authorities conducted searches on three properties in Beniarbeig, El Verger, and Benimeli, in addition to the Ondara salon. The operations yielded seven grams of cocaine, 280 grams of cannabis, 80 grams of cannabis plants, 866 grams of cannabis buds, and various materials used to process drugs, along with two middle-class vehicles used in the drug trade. Weapons included two shotguns with shortened barrels, a short firearm, ammunition, a simulated pistol, a long air gun, and a large machete. The seizure confirmed the presence of a dangerous criminal organization.

Image of money seized from the organization Information

The entire gang was arrested, except for one individual who appeared to be the target of the ongoing investigation. The suspects faced charges for crimes against public health, drug trafficking, participation in a criminal organization, money laundering, weapons possession violations, and driving offenses. The leader’s partner was also arrested for violating a restraining order previously issued against him.

All detainees ranged from 27 to 59 years old. Suspects with prior similar histories were placed at the Denia Court of Investigation and Protection for precautionary measures while proceedings continue.

With these actions, the Civil Guard achieved a significant setback to the criminal organization involved in drug distribution in Alicante province.

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