Benidorm National Police carried out an operation targeting a large ecstasy laboratory valued at over 100 million euros. The action dismantled one of the biggest illicit drug production facilities discovered in Spain to date, located near Sueca. Twelve people were arrested in Altea and Sueca across five raids linked to the large scale manufacture of amphetamines destined for nationwide and international distribution. Investigators disclosed the production involved roughly 1,900 liters of MDMA and an additional 1,000 liters of the precursor known as ecstasy or crystals, along with a thousand liters of chemical waste.
1,900 liters of MDMA, once processed into solid form through crystallization, would yield a product with two distinct ecstasy colors. Authorities believe the network may also supply drugs to traffickers in other European countries. Four of those detained were remanded in custody by the court.
The balance sheet of the operation was presented this morning at the Alicante Judicial Deposit Center. Benidorm Commissioner Ceferino Serrano and Victor Manuel Galvaño, the lead investigator at the Benidorm police station, along with Inspector Juan de Mata Muñoz from the Central Narcotics Brigade of the General Commissariat of Judicial Police, spoke about the case.
Agents from the Benidorm Narcotics Group began the investigation late last year after learning about a criminal network in the eastern region allegedly dedicated to producing synthetic drugs in a laboratory on the outskirts of the municipality near Sueca for distribution across Spain.
Two suspects were identified and subjected to surveillance and monitoring, including the close tracking of several properties, among them a country house near Sueca. In this house, investigators observed unusual movements and gathered further evidence of the network’s activities, noting a strong chemical odor and frequent handling of plastic containers. The group also wore industrial masks when entering and leaving the property and some members changed clothes after departing.
Authorities stated the organization purposely chose the laboratory location to stay hidden. The facility was nestled in a forested, mountainous area with access roads that were broken and narrow.
The group members had defined roles within the network. One person coordinated transfers to the laboratory, another moved the drug from the laboratory to storage sites or warehouses, and others served as couriers or “nurses” who kept the ecstasy until distribution. A member posed as a drug safety vigilante to deter rival networks, while another used a clean record to rent properties and avoid police scrutiny. Leaders managed overall operations, assigning tasks and ensuring the supply chain stayed intact.
Security measures were strict. The organization used multiple vehicles of different makes and colors to complicate police tracking. The operation intensified on January 17 when authorities stopped two suspects as they were about to leave the laboratory in a vehicle loaded with plastic bottles. The suspects attempted to ram the officers, veering off into a ditch to escape, but officers pursued and apprehended them. The vehicle contained two five-liter bottles later confirmed to hold amphetamine after inspection. This led to the continuation of arrests and searches at several locations.
In total, twelve individuals were detained. Four operations took place in Altea, with the remaining arrests occurring at a country house near Sueca where a macro laboratory was uncovered. Investigators recovered 1,000 liters of accelerants and precursors to produce 1,900 liters of MDMA, commonly known as crystal or ecstasy, along with significant quantities of amphetamines and 1,000 liters of chemical waste. The scene also yielded a large still, jugs, lathes, stoves, test tubes, precision scales, and protective gear, all used for the production and storage of drugs and their precursors.
Given the scope of the seized materials and the complexity of the equipment, Benidorm police were assisted by members of the Central Narcotics Brigade’s synthetic division and by officials from the TEDAX NRBQ Group and the Valencia Provincial Information Brigade. The General Scientific Police Station’s Inspection and Sampling Group also contributed to the case due to the hazardous nature of the substances involved.
environmental crime
Authorities observed in the laboratory records that waste from the drug’s preparation was released through discharge tubes and ultimately dumped near fields. This practice caused environmental damage and is being treated as an environmental crime.