Law Enforcement in Alicante: Rancher Arrested for Rural Threats and Border Disputes
In Alicante, a Civil Guard operation resulted in the arrest of a rancher on charges tied to six threats against neighbors. The case revolves around ongoing disputes over borders and grazing areas in the communities of Famorca and Castell de Castells. A Denia court subsequently issued a restraining order, barring the suspect from contacting or communicating with the named victims. The information originates from the Alicante Command and local law enforcement reports cited for context in this account.
The sequence of events stretches back to last October, when a division of the Civil Guard focused on field robberies and rural crime began monitoring tensions in the region. A member unit based in Calp, well-versed in rural security, identified the farmer as someone who had repeatedly threatened neighbors. The matter came to light after ongoing community policing meetings and periodic safety briefings with residents, which helped law enforcement understand how fear and silence had allowed tensions to escalate. Many victims were initially reluctant to report because of fear of retaliation by the person accused of the threats.
With this information, investigators were able to confirm the identity of the alleged aggressor: a 47-year-old male, a Spanish national, known locally as a controversial figure within Tollos and the surrounding area. Authorities emphasized that the individual had a history of clashes with neighbors and was widely recognized as contentious in border-related disputes.
Testimonies from victims described a climate of intimidation linked to border and grazing area disagreements. Several accounts reported that the threats were accompanied by weapons shown by the suspect, with one incident involving a shotgun and another involving a large knife. The presence of these weapons amplified the severity of the intimidation perceived by residents in the two towns.
The investigation progressed with the man’s arrest occurring on December 13 in Tollos. Law enforcement conducted searches that included the suspect’s vehicle and adjacent livestock facilities. While the precise locations of any weapons used during the alleged incidents could not be confirmed through available records, officers noted that the individual had a reputation for aggression and confrontation with neighbors who dispute property boundaries. It was also highlighted that he did not possess any official licenses for firearms or other weapons, according to the officers involved in the case.
The Civil Guard charged the individual with six counts of threats. The matter proceeded to court in Denia, where a judge issued a parole decision and established a restraining order. The order directs the accused to avoid contact or communication with the victims, effectively restricting any proximity or direct outreach toward them. The case continues through the judicial process, with officials reiterating the importance of safeguarding rural residents and ensuring clear, calm resolution to boundary disagreements. The local police emphasise that communities should report intimidation to prevent further escalation and to support timely action by authorities. [Citation: Alicante Command]