The Guardia Civil intercepted two mail shipments that, once inspected, contained 30 grams of mefedrone, a controlled stimulant allegedly trafficked by a priest from San Sebastián in Don Benito and a person described as his alleged partner.
This information was disclosed this week by the force in a press release detailing the investigation. The press note explains that the Organized Crime and Anti-Drug Team of the Guardia Civil in Badajoz (EDOA) had been pursuing a case for the past five months to prevent the trafficking of illegal substances. The team, which launched the operation named Botafumeiro, began after detecting two residents of Don Benito involved in drug trafficking from their own home.
The drugs were reportedly received by parcel delivery for subsequent distribution, with small quantities portioned out to third parties across the country. Investigators confirmed that most of the drugs were destined for direct sale to local consumers who gathered near the suspects’ residence for arranged meetings and purchases, with security measures observed during these exchanges.
Earlier this week, in coordination with the Court of Instruction No. 2 of Don Benito, and with the support of about twenty USECIC agents, law enforcement carried out a search at the residence. The operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 2.1 kilograms of mefedrone, also known as ortomefedrone.
Official notes describe this substance as a designer recreational drug with stimulant effects similar to methamphetamine or MDMA. Prosecutors estimate that the seized amount could yield around 8,400 doses on the illicit market.
In addition, investigators recovered two precision scales, around 3,300 euros allegedly earned from drug sales, and several blister packs containing tablets of sildenafil, commonly referred to as Viagra.
With the incriminating evidence, both individuals were detained on suspicion of a crime against public health. After formal questioning, they were brought before the court, leading to the imprisonment of the priest’s alleged partner while the priest himself was released with charges.
Throughout the operation, authorities emphasized the collaboration between local judicial authorities and the national anti-drug division, highlighting ongoing efforts to dismantle networks that traffic designer drugs and exploit domestic routes for distribution across Spain. The Botafumeiro case underscores the priority given to disrupting supply chains, protecting communities, and ensuring that illicit substances do not permeate local markets or harm residents.