Civil Guard units, part of a national initiative under the Miller operation aimed at disrupting marijuana cultivation and illegal trafficking, carried out an indoor cannabis operation in Aspe. The mission culminated in the detention of two individuals and the dismantling of a cultivation setup once housed at the residence of a British neighbor who passed away in 2022. Both detainees were later remanded to the courthouse on judicial freedoms, pending further proceedings.
The operation traces its origins to August, when Civil Guard investigators received credible intelligence about a suspected marijuana grow house in Aspe. Following a thorough analysis conducted by the Aspe Civil Guard Main Station, the Borisa unit began targeted actions designed to confirm suspicions and gather actionable evidence. The process emphasized meticulous observation and material corroboration before any onsite intervention could be authorized.
During the initial phase, officers identified a secluded dwelling in Aspe that appeared to be repurposed for cannabis cultivation. It subsequently emerged that the property belonged to an individual who died in 2022 and left no obvious heirs to manage it. According to Civil Guard briefings, the house was being used without any formal rental or purchase agreement, with the support of the Elche Local Police Air Media Unit to document the operation from multiple angles and ensure safety during the surveillance and entry phases.
In the subsequent phase, collaboration with an energy company revealed that the residence had been illegally tapped into the electrical grid to support the cultivation operations. This illicit energy hookup not only sustained the growth but also produced an estimated economic impact of around 34,000 euros, reflecting both the value of the equipment and the power consumed by the grow lights and climate control systems.
On October 30, investigators confirmed the presence of marijuana plants inside the house and conducted a search that led to the arrest of a 54-year-old Spanish national who was responsible for the care and supervision of the cultivation site. During the operation, authorities seized 495 cannabis plants along with the equipment used to cultivate them, including ventilation and irrigation systems, as documented by Civil Guard sources. The breadth of the seizure underscored a well-organized setup designed to maximize yield while evading detection.
The following day, Novelda Courts ordered the arrest of a second individual, a 28-year-old Spaniard with a criminal record connected to public health offenses, who was identified as another person responsible for the plantation’s management. Both detainees now face charges related to crimes against public health connected to cannabis cultivation and electricity fraud. The Novelda Guard Court ordered their release under precautionary measures while the case continues, pending further judicial steps.
Authorities emphasize that these actions form part of Operation Miller, a broader national effort to curb illegal cannabis cultivation and trafficking and to prevent the distribution of product toward Central European markets. The operation illustrates how local law enforcement coordinates with energy suppliers and municipal units to disrupt illicit networks before storage or distribution channels can be exploited. Public safety officials reaffirm that the investigation remains active, with continued surveillance and ongoing collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions to dismantle related operations and deter future offenses.
Experts note that this case highlights several recurring patterns in illegal cannabis enterprises, including ownership ambiguity after an occupant’s death, unregulated property use, and the exploitation of legal grey areas in property and energy transactions. By combining field surveillance, utilities data, and forensic analysis, authorities can build a comprehensive evidentiary record that supports strong judicial action while limiting civilian risk. The Miller operation, in this light, serves as a model for coordinated responses that address both criminal activity and the underlying economic incentives driving such illicit schemes.
As investigations proceed, officials remind the public that the capture of suspects and the destruction of cultivation infrastructure play a critical role in protecting communities from the harms associated with illegal drug production. They also reiterate the importance of reporting suspicious activity and maintaining vigilance in neighborhoods where vacant or underutilized properties may become focal points for illicit operations. The ongoing case will continue to unfold in the court system as prosecutors present the evidence gathered during the sweep and determine appropriate legal remedies. The Miller operation continues to be a central component of national strategy to safeguard public health and safety from cannabis-related crime, with a focus on preventing cross-border flow and ensuring accountability for those who enable these illegal activities. (Civil Guard press communications, 2022-2024)”}