55 drug dealers posing as street vendors arrested in the south of Tenerife
The National Police, working alongside Adeje’s Local Police have smashed a major drugs ring operating in some of the island’s most popular tourist zones in the south of Tenerife, arresting 55 men and seizing dangerous narcotics destined for young holidaymakers.
Between April and July, officers targeted strategic locations in Adeje and Arona, with a particular focus on Fañabé seafront, Avenida España (Torviscas), and the Veronicas ‘strip’. During the raids, police seized significant quantities of designer drugs, cocaine, crack, ketamine, and cannabis derivatives.
The operations were aimed at eradicating street-level drug dealing in high-footfall tourist areas. According to police reports, the suspects used a recurring tactic: posing as street vendors selling sunglasses, watches, or souvenirs while hiding drugs in public furniture, such as benches and flowerbeds, to avoid being caught during police searches.
Fañabe seafront in Costa Adeje
Operation results
In total, officers confiscated:
- 29 doses of crack
- 22 doses of MDMA
- 38 doses of cocaine
- 10 doses of ketamine
- 56 ecstasy tablets
- 18 packets of hashish
- 114 single doses of marijuana
The 55 men arrested, aged between 25 and 40, all have previous convictions for drug-related offences. Police say their main targets were young tourists, especially those from the UK, taking advantage of the nightlife and beach areas.
Authorities stress that these actions highlight the National Police’s commitment to public safety and the fight against drugs, particularly in tourist hotspots where such crimes can cause serious harm to both people and the island’s reputation as a safe holiday destination.
Archive image of Las Veronicas in Playa Las Americas
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