National police authorities dismantled a substantial criminal network involved in the production and distribution of cocaine and other illegal drugs. In a coordinated operation by the Elche Police Station, officers conducted seven simultaneous raids across several locations in Baja, resulting in the detention of eleven individuals, including the main organizer at the heart of the operation.
The detainees include eight men and three women aged 22 to 41. A Spanish national and a Colombian national face charges of drug trafficking, possession of illegal weapons, and membership in a criminal organization. The case highlights a tightly organized trafficking chain with international connections and a strong emphasis on territorial spread across multiple towns.
Out of the eleven arrested, seven Spaniards were released with legal assistance. Two remained held at police stations while five were transferred to the courthouse on duty. The three Colombians were placed into foreign detention facilities to await further proceedings.
During the operation, authorities seized more than one kilogram of cocaine, around 200 grams of cannabis, six precision scales, and tools used for processing and selling drugs. They also recovered semi-automatic pistols, 8,215 euros in cash, and eight luxury vehicles. These material assets underscored the scale and sophistication of the network.
Months of investigation and sustained surveillance enabled detectives to pinpoint the ringleader, who managed the network from a residence in the area around Vega Baja. From this hub, the core offender had established a web of properties spanning several towns including San Isidro, Orihuela, and Elche, along with districts such as La Hoya and La Marina.
development of the operation
Throughout the inquiry, investigators operated with careful scrutiny, tracing the movement of people and vehicles to map a broad network of habitations, many of them rustic farms located away from busy urban centers. This dispersed layout complicated tracking efforts but ultimately revealed the reach of the operation.
Investigators identified significant danger posed by the group as a whole and noted that the members likely maintained the capability to distribute large quantities of cocaine weekly. Each participant carried a distinct role—ranging from procurement and distribution to customer outreach and money handling—creating a layered, hierarchical structure and enabling operational coherence even across distant locations.
As the exploitation phase progressed, authorities executed seven search warrants and coordinated a robust field deployment across rural Elche and Vega Baja, under the supervision of the Orihuela Investigative Court, which had already initiated proceedings. The scale of the operation demanded collaboration among multiple law enforcement units.
To maximize effectiveness, officers partnered with additional specialists from the Elche Police Station, including the Prevention and Response Unit, as well as national police special units. GOES (Special Security Operations Groups), GOIT (Technical Response Operational Group), and the Alicante Provincial Police Service contributed essential support, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the investigation and safety in the field.
During the raids, investigators uncovered vehicles equipped with concealed compartments, colloquially known as bays, used to transport narcotics to delivery points. The discovery of these covert features underscored the sophistication of the trafficking operation and its emphasis on discreet logistics and concealment.
Interviews, evidence collection, and surveillance materials collectively built a comprehensive case. The amassed information indicated that everyone under scrutiny was implicated in the crimes charged, spanning drug trafficking, illegal weapon possession, and organized crime involvement. The operation stands as a clear demonstration of the authorities’ resolve to disrupt drug networks and dismantle the infrastructure that sustains illicit activity across several communities.