National Police Elda-Petrer Police Station dismantled in Operation “Relics” a family clan alleged to be a criminal organization.
The investigation began in the early months of 2023 after information emerged about a property in the marginal neighborhood known locally as La Tafalera in Elda. Authorities suspected the location served as a hub for drug distribution and a node for supplying narcotics to individuals from various parts of Alicante province and neighboring regions. The clues pointed toward a network involved in trafficking substances and coordinating delivery to a broad, interregional clientele. [Citation: National Police source on Operation Relics]
Following the leads, the Judicial Police Brigade Narcotics Group in Elda-Petrer initiated a series of verifications and inquiries. The team coordinated with specialized units to map out the criminal workflow, the key players, and the routes used to move illicit goods through the area. This groundwork laid the foundation for a comprehensive case that connected street-level dealings with a larger, organized operation. [Citation: Judicial Police Brigade Narcotics Group report]
Investigators noted that the case coincided with a rise in offenses linked to property crimes, including forced robberies of homes and workplaces, vehicle thefts, and other larcenies in Elda and Petrer. The Robbery Group of the Elda-Petrer Judicial Police Brigade focused on these incidents to ascertain whether the same network influenced or benefited from them, building a broader picture of the criminal landscape. [Citation: Robbery Group findings]
To monitor activity, the Judicial Police Group established a surveillance setup at the suspect property. The operation faced challenges due to the property’s location in a densely populated, marginal district, which made information gathering a meticulous process. Nevertheless, authorities pursued every possible lead to uncover the full scope of the alleged illicit operations and the people involved. [Citation: National Police surveillance notes]
As the surveillance progressed, investigators identified a criminal group described as a family clan that allegedly sold and distributed various drugs, including cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. The network was also accused of receiving proceeds from criminal acts in exchange for narcotics and of coordinating the exchange of goods with other members across different neighborhoods. The operation aimed to dismantle the economic engine behind these activities and disrupt the flow of substances. [Citation: Police findings on drug operations]
Illegal activity was reported to have occurred from a residence fortified with security measures, including reinforced window bars and heavy-duty doors that opened inward. This setup suggested a deliberate attempt to deter entry and protect the illicit operation from external disruption. [Citation: Property security assessment]
Before taking action, authorities compiled the evidence and obtained judicial authorization for a decisive phase. The operation involved nearly thirty officers from diverse units, including GOIT (Technical Surveillance and Control Group), door entry experts, the UPR (Prevention and Intervention Unit), and the Alicante Province Citizen Security Brigade, together with the Judicial Police Group and the GOR Dog Guides from the Elda-Petrer Police Station. The coordinated effort culminated in a door-to-door search of the residence and the detention of the individuals linked to the criminal network. [Citation: Operational briefings and permits]
During the intervention, investigators recovered quantities of illegal drugs and cash, including 362 grams of marijuana, 5 grams of cocaine, 1 gram of heroin, and 3,926 euros. They also seized 172 lottery tickets and a range of items tied to criminal activity, such as an electric bike, a scooter, power tools, and a computer. A notable discovery was an illegal electrical connection to the grid, indicating efforts to conceal activity and reduce operating costs. [Citation: Evidence log]
Following the procedural steps required by law, the Judicial Police Group proceeded with the processing of seized items and conducted notifications to complainants whose properties had been affected by the suspected crimes, including home and vehicle robberies and related thefts in Elda-Petrer. The network’s reach and impact on victims became a central focus of the case as authorities moved to consolidate charges and pursue accountability. [Citation: Case outcomes and victim notifications]
Initial reports identified the detainees as Spanish nationals, comprising three men, one woman aged between 24 and 55, and a 15-year-old minor. They were presented to the judicial authorities as suspects in drug trafficking and membership in a criminal organization, with additional charges related to property and fraud crimes. The court was asked to determine appropriate measures while the Alicante Children’s Prosecutor’s Office oversaw the status of the minor, who was released to a family member as directed by the court. [Citation: Judicial filings and court determinations]