In a major operation, six individuals detained during the dismantling of an Algerian criminal organization were brought before the Orihuela Instruction Court No. 3 this week. The Civil Guard in Alicante coordinated the efforts last Tuesday, focusing on a group accused of trafficking people and drugs using taxi boats between Spain and Algeria. Five of the detainees were scheduled for a Thursday hearing, while one, who was granted parole, remained under surveillance as the court requested the search and arrest of the apparent leader of the network. The leader was not present at his residence in Alicante when officers searched the property, which included a nearby industrial warehouse in the Pla de la Vallonga area.
Investigators from the Alicante Command Information Group reported that two of those summoned to court claimed Spanish origins and said they were drug users. The charges include drug trafficking, membership in a criminal organization, violations of the rights of foreign nationals, property offenses, vehicle theft, and illegal possession of weapons. The investigation has revealed additional details through sources close to the case, underscoring the seriousness of the alleged activity.
Boat-Related Activities and Field Sightings
Authorities say the investigation began after a boat loaded with fuel drums was observed running aground in a field near Pilar de la Horadada beach. The vessel had been linked to the case in Almería before returning to attention in the Alicante area. It was revealed that the boat owner had previously reported the craft as stolen to mislead investigators, yet additional drums were uncovered in connection with another planned trip involving several suspects. This sequence prompted a broader inquiry into the organization’s operational methods.
The six detainees arrived at the police station in Orihuela Courts in multiple Civil Guard vehicles. Hearings were held promptly at the on-duty court, with many defendants choosing not to testify. One detainee who had been conditionally released was returned to custody after narcotics were found at a residence tied to the case. The prosecutor requested imprisonment for five individuals, a decision that the on-duty court granted as the investigation continues.
Leadership and Possible Flight Risk
The authorities have identified the organization’s alleged ringleader as a focal point of the inquiry. Investigators have not ruled out the possibility that other members of the group may have fled the country to evade capture. The suspect was reportedly not at home when authorities executed searches, and inquiries into his whereabouts are ongoing. The father and brother of the suspect, who accompanied the ship to the Pla de la Vallonga site, indicated they were unaware of his exact location. The ship’s owner, who is connected to the vessel documented by the Civil Guard, explained that one of his sons had been operating it recently, a detail that ties into the broader network assessment.
Witnesses at the industrial site reported heavy vehicle movement and consistent activity that appeared suspicious to workers. The Civil Guard sealed the ship after identifying internal links to the criminal activities of the group. In addition to pursuing the ringleader, authorities believe there may be more individuals involved in the operation, suggesting that the network could extend beyond the initial six detainees.
Officials emphasize that the investigation remains active, with ongoing inquiries and potential additional arrests as new leads surface. The careful coordination between the Civil Guard units and the Orihuela Court is aimed at disrupting the trafficking routes and severing the network’s operational capabilities. The situation remains fluid as investigators gather more evidence and assess risks associated with the case.
For readers seeking a fuller, verifiable account of the events, the authorities have provided periodic updates through official channels. The information presented here reflects the latest available statements from law enforcement and court proceedings at the time of reporting. [Source: Civil Guard communications; Orihuela Court on-duty records].