In January 2021, investigators from the Civil Guard’s Central Operations Unit (UCO) opened an inquiry into what officials described as a criminal network responsible for illegal drug distribution. They uncovered that doctor Marcos Maynar, along with other intermediaries, was involved in sending and receiving postal packets allegedly containing banned substances. The Cáceres State Court, in its decision dated October 13, 2022, which is accessible to the public, lays out these findings.
Magistrates noted that during the police operation, shipments were examined as they passed through scanners. In some cases, packages were opened later, revealing capsule-like drugs packaged in self-sealing bags or containers and not tailored for commercial distribution. The focus was on irregular shipments rather than typical pharmaceutical channels.
UCO records show professional cyclists’ involvement with Maynar doping scheme
The shipments, which did not follow standard drug-transfer channels, were sent by Maynar, a figure previously investigated for drug-smuggling connections. Recipients appeared to be individuals linked to cycling, and officers collected samples from some opened packages for analysis.
Operation Ilex
In a police report submitted to the Court of First Instance, the authorities described findings from the UCO investigation and the broader Operation Ilex. After reviewing the report, a judge issued an order on November 8, 2021, initiating further police investigations and noting the stoppage of packages sent on April 19, 20, and July 27–28, 2021.
One recovered package reportedly contained capsules with dichloroacetic acid and Actovegin Forte, substances not authorized for use in Spain. This led the Cáceres court to consider potential illicit drug trafficking tied to doping substances that could threaten athletes. The substances were sourced from non-authorized laboratories or the black market and did not meet transport regulations, among other concerns noted in the 13 October 2022 Cáceres Court decision.
An official report
The trainer involved reportedly had access to a report from the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Healthcare Products (AEMPS) and believed there was sufficient indication that those investigated were sending packages to professional cyclists from the University of Cáceres. Vicente Belda Vicedo, a former cyclist linked to managing other cyclists’ careers, was mentioned in the court’s narrative as potentially directing content for some athletes’ posts.
On July 26, 2021, Civil Guards reportedly intercepted a cyclist connected to Vicente Belda at Alicante airport with various drugs and capsules. While the products themselves were not illegal, the find cast doubt on Maynar’s activities. Reports from El Periódico de España indicate that a Colombian cyclist involved was not charged, and Miguel Ángel López was not implicated in the case, though López faced other consequences with a professional team. Belda, the mediator figure in the alleged network, appeared via video conference for investigation from the Alcoi Courts (Alicante).
According to statements given to Efe, Maynar admitted recommending Actovegin to López and other athletes, claiming it reduced heart muscle pain during exertion and noting that it was not listed as a prohibited substance. He asserted that it was not considered doping. The athlete in question has repeatedly denied doping and recently posted on social media about passing anti-doping checks and retaining full competition eligibility under the current regulations for the 2023 season.
Audiencia de Cáceres supports UCO investigation into doctor Maynar’s bicycle doping network
The UCO’s case has drawn scrutiny over the methods used during the investigation and how information was gathered. Critics argued that the operation could be described as extensive and aggressive, but supporters maintained that the actions were conducted to safeguard athletes and ensure compliance with sports regulations.
UCO’s Criticism
Maynar’s defense contended that the UCO acted with excessive force, describing the probe as a broad, six-month investigation lacking objective evidence. The defense argued that the operation was unilateral and that the investigation relied on subjective elements, with references to an individual known in the past being the focus of scrutiny.
Responding to these claims, the defense asserted that the trainer’s actions were challenged, and legal steps were taken over concerns about alleged harmful substances. The defense argued that no formal analysis had yet occurred and that later testing would be necessary to confirm any wrongdoing.
court approval
Judges in Cáceres consistently defended the legality of the Civil Guard’s actions and the decisions tied to Operation Ilex. When defense requests sought to annul the UCO proceedings, the court maintained that searches conducted by the authorities did not require prior judicial authorization in certain security-related contexts, especially when examining shipments that fall outside the protected nature of communications. The ruling emphasized that examining postal or cargo contents is a security measure permissible under the constitution, provided the content is not of a confidential communications nature and that there is a legitimate basis to determine the substance involved.
previous research
magistrates explained that parcel checks extend beyond clear crime indicators and can occur randomly as part of broader investigations. The Cáceres Court found no irregularities in UCO scanning of correspondence connected to ongoing doping investigations in sports. In the October 13, 2022 decision, judges observed capsules with handwritten markings in self-sealing bags or non-descript containers, suggesting a secretive production scheme.
According to the UCO, the packaging and preparation of substances were orchestrated within semi-private spaces such as residences or university facilities, which are generally restricted in access. This context helps explain why such shipments could go unchecked for a time, raising questions about how such operations are conducted and how content is controlled.
The Cáceres State Court also noted that it was appropriate for a state prosecutor and the Spanish anti-doping body CELAD to be present in the proceedings, a point corroborated by the Extremadura High Court of Justice in its communications with El Periódico de España.