The Guardia Civil have arrested five drug dealers operating in tourist hotspots of Mogan (Gran Canaria), as part of Operation "Ayabuza". The suspects aged between 21 and 31were allegedly selling illegal substances to tourists in and around the Puerto Rico Shopping Centre.
The investigation began in March 2024 after police identified a group of young individuals loitering in high-footfall areas during the afternoon and evening, offering drugs to visitors heading towards bars and clubs.
Surveillance revealed how the suspects distributed the substances, the hiding places used to avoid detection, and their specific roles within the gang. Three of them used their residence - just 150 metres from the shopping centre - as a logistical base for storing and supplying drugs.
Given the scale of the operation, investigators pursued two lines of inquiry. The first focused on street-level drug sales, while the second examined the suspects’ financial activities.
Suspicious Transactions and False Employment Records
Collaboration between the Guardia Civil and the Mogán Local Police uncovered that the group actively targeted tourists, shoppers, and employees of the shopping centre, either in person or via mobile phone calls and messages.
The financial investigation revealed that three of the detainees were registered as employed but did not perform any work or receive wages. Authorities also identified unexplained financial transactions, including frequent transfers via Bizum of round figures (€20, €40, and €60), which are suspected to be payments for drug purchases.
Raids and Arrests
With sufficient evidence gathered, a judge authorised the search of the property shared by three of the suspects. The operation was executed on the morning of 17th February by officers from the Puerto Rico-Mogán Guardia Civil station, alongside rural patrol units and canine detection teams from the Las Palmas Command.
During the search, officers seized:
Simultaneously, the remaining two suspects were arrested at their respective homes.
The five detainees, along with the seized evidence, have been placed at the disposal of the Maspalomas Magistrate’s Court.
This latest operation follows other recent law enforcement actions in Puerto Rico, demonstrating the Guardia Civil's commitment to tackling rising criminal activity in the area. By dismantling this network, authorities aim to restore safety and confidence among visitors and protect the reputation of one of the Canary Islands’ most prominent tourist destinations.
