In Yecla, authorities say a National Police operation led to arrests at a residence in the town center where four individuals were taken into custody. The suspects faced allegations of drug sales, illegal trapping of birds, and the theft of canaries and other birds, with an elderly couple among those affected. After the arrests, the defendants were released on bail and awaited trial following a routine process through the Court of Duty, during which one of them issued a statement claiming innocence and asserting a perceived injustice.
The investigation began in June, centered on a drug distribution point identified within Yecla’s urban district. Local residents and shopkeepers reported suspicious activity linked to this site, which was described by authorities as a residence tied to criminal activity. The occupants were accused of hiding illegal connections for electricity and water and of operating the property in a manner that supported illicit operations nearby. The broader community noted the location as a hub for activity that unsettled neighbors and business owners alike.
Concurrently, police inquiries targeted a series of robberies associated with the same network. Investigators observed perpetrators entering through upper-floor access points or using inner courtyards to reach spaces where birds were kept and cages were stolen. A specialized technical-police field study and visual inspection were conducted to map the sequence of events and to identify the individuals involved. A member of the Scientific Police team from the local station confirmed the physical location of the crimes and contributed to the compilation of the evidentiary record.
Coca, ‘maria’ and stolen TVs
During a formal briefing, headquarters officials stated that the subject of interest had been tracked to the squatted site, which functioned as a staging ground and reception point for items seized by drug users. A court order enabled a thorough house search, resulting in the discovery of multiple contraband items. Law enforcement reported small quantities of cocaine and cannabis products, as well as seized cash and nine caged finches, five of which were identified as the birds involved in the robberies. Additional tools used in the illicit trade, such as scales and plastic containers, were also recovered. The police highlighted a connection to the El Valle Wildlife Rescue Center, which provides care for avian species and serves as a point of reference in wildlife protection efforts.
The other two birds involved in one of the robberies were returned to their rightful owners, an elderly couple in Yecla. Authorities indicated that a significant number of other items were seized or recovered during the operation, including televisions, bicycles, scooters, game consoles and mobile phones, reflecting the broader scope of the criminal network’s activity.
Investigations continue against the four suspects on multiple charges, including offenses against public health and safety, armed or forced robbery, illegal reception of stolen goods, electricity fraud, and theft from real estate. The case also involves offenses related to the protection of flora, fauna and pet welfare, underscoring the cross-cutting nature of the crimes and the impact on community safety and animal welfare in the region.