In a case heard at the HE Education Court No. 1 in Torrevieja, the court decided that two brothers, aged 40 and 46, faced prison sentences related to a drug trafficking operation. The investigation centered on a greengrocer who served as a front for distributing illegal substances. The Alicante Civil Guard reported that the defendants were charged with drug trafficking and membership in a criminal organization aimed at smuggling harmful substances to the public. [Source: Civil Guard]
The illegal tobacco aspect
The ruling followed a raid operation that the Civil Guard named Sushant. The operation culminated in the arrest of the two Torrevieja residents and the questioning of a third person, a 67-year-old man. [Source: Civil Guard]
During searches of the ringleader’s residence and the grocery store, authorities seized 145 grams of cocaine in both rock form and prepared doses, 18 bags totaling 9 kilograms of illegal tobacco that appeared to have been chopped, 2,800 euros in various denominations, and assorted tools used for drug processing and distribution. The overall setup suggested the existence of a structured network designed to facilitate illicit activities. [Source: Civil Guard]
Citizen cooperation
Authorities credited citizen cooperation for triggering the investigation. Information reached the main law enforcement post in Torrevieja about a suspicious deal at a local establishment. After evaluating the tip, investigators moved to confirm whether a criminal organization was involved in drug trafficking. [Source: Civil Guard]
Investigators established tight surveillance over the greengrocer while noting that it appeared to be closed to the public, yet still experienced a steady flow of customers inside. The business openings and closings occurred without clear financial transactions, and individuals leaving the premises were observed carrying items consistent with narcotics, according to the inquiry. Inside the establishment, the younger brother reportedly handled the transactions, while the elder brother frequently appeared and disappeared, leading investigators to characterize him as the gang’s perceived leader. [Source: Civil Guard]
One record from the investigation highlights how the operation was supported by the actions of a lead contact at the site who coordinated activities and maintained a presence at the location during critical moments. The discovery of narcotic substances inside the building reinforced the belief that the storefront functioned as an integral node in the distribution chain. [Source: Civil Guard]
Arcades and patterns
Beyond the grocery store, the ringleader made frequent visits to several gaming venues in Torrevieja. These visits seemed connected to the sale and distribution of drugs within the mentioned buildings, establishing a broader footprint for the trafficking network. [Source: Civil Guard]
A third individual, a 67-year-old man also living in the town, was identified as the person responsible for supervising activity outside the grocery store and drawing customers from nearby arcades. This role suggested a coordinated approach to expanding the network’s reach beyond the storefront. [Source: Civil Guard]
Dog detection aids
On February 15, the operation unfolded with support from agents from the Field of Investigation Citizen Security Unit USECIC in Torrevieja and a drug-detection dog from the Alicante Command. The combined effort led to the arrest of the two principal organizers and the ongoing investigation of the third individual. [Source: Civil Guard]
Hidden stash in a candy box
During the search of the grocery store, investigators uncovered concealed drugs scattered throughout the premises. Cocaine and marijuana were found in multiple locations, including cash registers and even a box of confections that had been repurposed for sale. The find underscored the breadth of concealment tactics used within the operation. [Source: Civil Guard]