Two major law enforcement bodies joined forces in a coordinated operation that led to the disruption of two active cocaine outlets in Cocentaina, one of which operated within a hotel setting. Investigators detained five individuals in Cocentaina and in nearby areas, with the primary suspect brought before the police court. The ringleader was sentenced to a prison term after the suspects faced charges; several others were ordered to stay within the country and to appear in court at scheduled intervals, while some were released under conditional terms.
Authorities reported the seizure of 824 grams of cocaine, 16 grams of marijuana, equipment used for packaging and distributing the drugs, 83,130 euros in cash, and a motor vehicle. The operation also resulted in the dismantling of both drug outlets.
The investigation began in February when the Civil Guard and the National Police received information about possible drug outlets in Cocentaina and Muro. The Alcoy Police Station and the Ibi Central Station Investigation Area coordinated with the Forensic Police to pool resources and launch a joint inquiry, identified by the operation name Almin-Gorath. The teams conducted ongoing surveillance to pinpoint those involved and to understand the network behind the trafficking activities. [Attribution: National Police and Civil Guard statements]
During the course of the inquiry, investigators identified five people connected to the trafficking network. Among them was the principal supplier, a 53-year-old Hispanic man residing in Cocentaina with his spouse and two children. He operated a consistent schedule for drug sales from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Transactions occurred within his vehicle or at two central establishments in the municipality, with the ringleader maintaining a broad client base that extended to neighboring towns. Consumers recognized him for the purity of the substance he sold.
On 8 April, authorities arrested a 54-year-old woman, a relative of the main suspect, in Muro. A search of private locations led to the discovery of 42 grams of cocaine. The investigation also uncovered that the manager of a Cocentaina hotel was acting as a trafficker linked to the leader of the operation. This individual already held a prior record related to drug offenses, and informants reported that when he was away, staff members continued to distribute drugs to customers. [Attribution: Police reporting]
The operational phase intensified on 8 July, marking a substantial escalation in the crackdown. On that day, four additional individuals were arrested, and two properties were searched, including a catering venue in Cocentaina. The operation benefited from assistance provided by canine units and Citizen Security squads from both police forces involved. The ongoing effort reflects strong collaboration across jurisdictions to curb local drug trafficking and protect the community. [Source notes: Police and Civil Guard summaries]