In Alicante’s province, a large-scale marijuana cultivation operation was dismantled on a rural farm located in the town of Altea, within the Marina Baixa region. The National Police arrested two men in Altea after halting an illicit hydroponic setup that supplied a drug network with electricity. The seized crop was projected to command a value exceeding one million euros on the market. The suspects, both Lithuanian nationals aged 39 and 44, face charges related to public health offenses, participation in a criminal organization, and electricity fraud.
Judicial Police Group I from the Benidorm Police Station led the investigation, focusing on a detached house in Altea where the hydroponic cannabis operation was found. Police teams executed a coordinated operation to apprehend the suspects and confirm the presence of illegal cultivation on site.
As the inquiry unfolded, authorities traced the individuals living at the house who were believed to be responsible for the maintenance and cultivation of the plantation. The operation revealed a network designed to sustain the indoor grow operation through electricity drawn unlawfully.
Further actions with the local electricity provider identified a leak in the residence, along with an abnormally high energy consumption level that far exceeded typical household use. Investigators uncovered a concealed outlet that allowed the growers to access power without paying for it.
Following a police operation, two Lithuanian men, aged 39 and 44, were arrested on charges of drug trafficking, involvement in a criminal organization, and electricity fraud. A search of their persons and premises yielded significant evidence: 1,346 mature cannabis plants ready for flowering, 33 grams of cannabis buds, 1,195 euros in cash, a vehicle, and an array of equipment including lighting systems, fans, and other grow tools. The authorities stated that the scale of the operation demonstrates a deliberate plan to cultivate marijuana indoors with professional-grade gear.
The seized drugs and equipment indicate a sophisticated level of indoor cultivation, designed to maximize yield while evading detection. The estimated street value of the seized cannabis reached approximately 1,296,000 euros, underscoring the substantial impact of this network on the local market. The operation also highlights the considerable resources allocated to maintain a high-output growing facility, including structural layout, climate control, and electrical infrastructure meant to sustain continuous production.
Authorities reported that the two suspects were taken into custody and transported to the courthouse for a formal judicial review. The Court of Inquiry in Benidorm is overseeing the case as it progresses through the legal process.
Note: This report reflects the findings of the investigation conducted by the National Police and the Judicial Police Group I, based on on-site assessments and corroborating evidence collected during the operation. The details herein describe the scope of the operation, the methods used to sustain the cultivation, and the legal actions pursued as part of the response to this criminal activity. (Source: Alicante Police and Benidorm Judicial Police)