The National Police have arrested 13 members of a criminal organisation for drug trafficking in the Canary Islands. In an operation carried out at regional level by the Drug and Organized Crime Unit, officers seized 5kg of cocaine, 94kg of hashish, seven luxury cars, and 26,000 euros in cash.
The investigation started after they found out that a gang was transporting drugs by sea from the ferry port in Agaete (Gran Canaria) to Santa Cruz (Tenerife), and were then distributing it around the island, so they set up surveillance teams at the two ports.
At first, they arrested one suspect in Agaete when he was getting onto a ferry to Tenerife in possession of 30kg of hashish. However, the police, aware that there were more people involved and that the activity carried out by this group could be significant, continued their investigation.
After gathering more evidence and identifying more suspects, the UDYCO investigators put together a plan to dismantle the criminal organization and arrest all the members in one go. This involved the collaboration of the Local Police Canine Unit in Santa Cruz and took place simultaneously on the two islands.
EIGHT DETAINEES SENT TO PRISON:
After getting the correct judicial authorisation, the agents of the National Police carried out six house searches in Tenerife and Gran Canaria, arresting 13 people, and seizing the drugs, cars, and cash.
When the detainees were brought before the courts, eight were ordered straight into prison whilst the investigation continues and they await trial, whilst five others were released on bail.
