During a routine operation in Altea, authorities uncovered a marijuana cultivation site hidden inside a residence under construction in the Bernia mountain area. Four individuals, identified as Lithuanian and Ukrainian nationals, were detained and are currently held on suspicion of involvement in organized drug activity.
The arrests occurred as part of a nationwide effort known as Operation Miller, a Police Response Plan targeting illegal cannabis cultivation, trafficking, and profits. The investigation began after a Civil Guard tip on December 3 about a man seen in an empty house in the area of Altea. Responding officers quickly moved to the scene and identified two structures on the property. Inside the second building, investigators discovered a functioning marijuana plantation with four men actively pruning plants. The security forces stated that the individuals belonged to a criminal organization, with ages ranging from 36 to 62, and confirmed their Ukrainian and Lithuanian nationalities. All four had rented a home on the property and exploited the construction site to operate and conceal the cultivation activity, leaving observers with lingering questions about the full scope of the operation.
924 plants
As the operation unfolded, a substantial quantity of material was seized, including 924 cannabis plants, 58 kilograms of harvested cannabis buds, approximately one kilogram of the same substance, along with various digital devices and equipment used for cultivation. The authorities also confiscated tools and vehicles that would aid further analysis by investigators in understanding the network behind the operation.
On further inspection, it was found that the house under construction had been altered to optimize production. The criminals had reconfigured room layouts and installed unauthorized electrical connections to power the plantation more efficiently. The improvised electrical setup caused significant potential risk and resulted in estimated losses of nearly 97,800 euros to the electricity provider. A complex surveillance system, including cameras both inside and outside the dwelling, was used to monitor activity and deter detection.
All three aspects—drug cultivation, electricity manipulation, and organized crime membership—led to charges against the detainees. They are accused of crimes against public health for growing narcotics, electricity theft, and belonging to a criminal organization. The captured items and the suspects were placed in custody and referred to the Benidorm Instruction Court No. 2, which ordered temporary detention without bail for all detainees and the seizure of property involved.
The Civil Guard acknowledged the valuable cooperation of local residents in Altea, whose timely information contributed to the rapid apprehension of those responsible for the cannabis operation. This collaborative effort underscores the channel between communities and law enforcement in disrupting illicit networks and protecting public safety.