A major police operation involving several different specialist units was carried out across the Golden Mile and Las Verónicas in Playa de Las Américas on Friday night and into the early hours of Saturday.

The operation was primarily a preventive security deployment, following calls for an increased police presence in one of Tenerife's busiest tourist and nightlife areas.

Local reporting puts the deployment at around 150 officers, although Arona hasn’t officially confirmed the final number involved.

What were police looking for?

The operation initially focused on the Golden Mile along Avenida de Las Américas, where officers carried out checks aimed at detecting street-level drug dealing, drug possession and consumption, and illegal street selling.

Police then concentrated resources on Las Verónicas, where officers from the Unidad de Intervención Policial (UIP) joined the operation.

A perimeter was established around the nightlife complex, with access restricted for both pedestrians and vehicles. People already inside were reportedly directed towards a controlled exit point where police could carry out checks.

The operation involved several branches of Policía Nacional, reportedly including Judicial Police, Immigration, Public Safety, UIP and Prevention and Reaction units, together with plain-clothes officers and drone operators.

The Arona Local Police also participated, including officers from its operational group and canine unit.

Operation continued into early hours

The deployment began on Friday night and continued into Saturday morning, with subsequent reporting placing the intensive operation in Las Verónicas at approximately 2:00am to 5:00am.

Several people were arrested and numerous others were identified.

Local reporting says arrests included offences connected with resisting or disobeying police and possession of drugs. Reports have put the overall number of arrests at fewer than ten, although the National Police had not officially confirmed a final total when the information was released.

The operation follows increased concern over security and public-order problems in Playa de Las Américas.

Arona Council had already announced an increased police presence around the Golden Mile and other major tourist areas earlier this month, specifically aimed at improving security and tackling problems affecting residents, businesses and visitors.