The National Police disrupted a wide network in Benidorm, Finestrat, and Polop, arresting fifteen individuals believed to run a drug operation focused on cannabis cultivation indoors and the production of amphetamine tablets with a specialized industrial press. The Provincial Police Station reported that the organization had developed a substantial capacity for distributing narcotics across the country.
During the operation authorities counted 1,441 cannabis plants at advanced growth stages, equipment capable of harvesting approximately 90.5 kilograms of marijuana buds, about 13 kilograms of marijuana pieces, and around 100 grams of amphetamine powder. Investigators also seized a 9 mm semi-automatic firearm, two airsoft replicas, a brass knuckle, and an expandable baton used for defense.
The arrested individuals, aged 22 to 69, of Hispanic and South American origin, face multiple charges including drug trafficking, membership in a criminal group, electricity fraud, illegal weapon possession, and illegal real estate possession. Police stated that the group focused on large-scale cannabis production and operated in buildings that appeared abandoned, far from populated areas, where the necessary infrastructure for cultivation, processing, and storage of sativa cannabis was established for later transport to other parts of the nation.
The investigation began toward the end of 2021, with ongoing surveillance of residences suspected to house closed cannabis plantations.
five residences
The Benidorm Drugs and Organized Crime Unit engaged in identifying network members and recording five properties across Benidorm, Finestrat, and Polop. They received support from the Benidorm Prevention and Response Unit and found that some single-family homes had been altered to accommodate large hydroponic cannabis crops with enough infrastructure to sustain extensive trafficking across the national territory.
Authorities also noted the illegal use of electrical hookups to bypass high energy costs linked to this crop, with losses estimated between 15,000 and 40,000 euros.
In addition to illegal drugs, four luxury vehicles were seized, with some reportedly acquired using proceeds from the drug trade to serve the organization’s operations.
Police confirmed that some members of the organization handled plant care, while others procured supplies and managed 24-hour security to protect the operation. The coordinated effort exposed a persistent pattern of crime groups adapting their methods to evade law enforcement.
During the searches, authorities found a 9 mm firearm and ammunition that indicated the group was prepared to defend its operations against rival gangs. Two replica weapons, a brass knuckle, and an expandable baton were also documented as part of the protective gear used by members.
The discovery of an industrial press capable of shaping amphetamine pills highlighted the group’s capacity for large-scale production. The device, along with die cuts and stamp components bearing traces of stimulant substances, signaled recent activity in high-capacity pill manufacturing. An estimated 100 grams of amphetamine powder had already been prepared for pressing at the scene.
On the black market, the seized narcotics are valued at roughly one million euros after processing. This significant operation effectively dismantled a nationwide network operating out of Benidorm, according to the police.
The detainees were presented to the Benidorm courtroom, where authorities ordered the detention of the network’s leaders while investigations continue to unfold.