a joint operation by the Civil Guard and the National Police led to the dismantling of a criminal organization involved in cultivating cannabis. The operation targeted sites in Alicante, Elche, and Crevillent, revealing a network that shipped marijuana to Serbia using rental vehicles before distributing it to other European countries. Authorities detained eight individuals during the operation and seized substantial quantities of cannabis and related materials, including 3,348 cannabis plants and 30 kilograms of vacuum-sealed buds, along with additional equipment.
Two leaders within the organization faced arrests and were placed in custody in the initial phase of the intervention. One of them was later released on bail, while the others faced travel bans and regular appearances in court. The gang operated with a level of sophistication, acquiring a tanker and three industrial generator sets to power their cannabis cultivation facilities. Their operations commonly relied on high energy consumption to sustain hidden indoor crops that remained largely concealed from the public eye.
Operation Dekrol began in March of the previous year, when investigators with the Crevillent Civil Guard and the Elche National Police noted several Serbian nationals living well in both cities. Investigators confirmed these individuals did not appear to have legitimate business ties in Spain and some carried criminal records, leading to a broader inquiry into all members of the group. Cooperation with Serbian authorities and evidence from Poland indicated a wider international footprint of the organization.
One of the top associates was apprehended in April 2021 after discovery of a concealed marijuana crop in Crevillent. This arrest provided critical data about the broader organization under scrutiny and resulted in the initial preventive detention of the suspect, later released after posting bail granted by the court.
The group expanded its reach by leasing industrial premises across various provincial estates to establish additional cannabis sativa plantations, effectively building an ongoing cycle of cultivation and production rather than winding down after law enforcement attention.
Detectives continued the inquiry while arrests were expedited following formal statements. A series of rapid searches were conducted on May 24, including eight simultaneous operations: five at industrial facilities in Alicante, Elche, and Crevillent, and three at residences within the Alicante capital.
Authorities catalogued 3,348 cannabis plants at different developmental stages, along with 30 kilograms of vacuum-sealed cannabis buds. They also seized three industrial generator sets valued at over 40,000 euros each, equipment necessary for cultivating indoors, and a substantial quantity of forged documents including passports. Financial assets and vehicles were taken as well, including 1,055 euros in metal currency, three mid-range cars, and a tanker with a 6,000-liter capacity. The total estimated value of seized items exceeded 600,000 euros, according to statements from the Civil Guard and Police.
Another marked feature of the operation was the detention and seizure process, which aimed to disrupt the group’s ability to network and fund further activities. The operation also highlighted the group’s reliance on paperwork and identity forgery to facilitate criminal logistics and shield movements across borders.
The eight individuals detained are between 29 and 53 years old. All are Serbian nationals except for one who originates from Poland. An official inquiry was opened for charges related to criminal organization, drug trafficking, forgery of public documents, and electricity fraud, with investigators pursuing a comprehensive file to determine the full scope of the network and its operations.