In one of the most notable police operations in recent years on Tenerife, the Guardia Civil has confirmed the arrest of a man suspected of committing at least three armed robberies across the south of the island.
The suspect, who wore a mask, used firearms to threaten and sedatives to subdue his victims, has been taken into custody following an extensive investigation.
The breakthrough in the case came in January when officers from the Santa Cruz Local Police stopped a man carrying weapons and masks in his vehicle. This led the Guardia Civil to uncover a pattern linking him to three violent robberies committed between May and November 2024. Public assistance also played a crucial role, as information from residents helped authorities connect the suspect to several crimes.
The arrested individual has been identified as 46-year-old J.M.C.G., a resident of Arona. He is accused of committing three violent robberies in the south of Tenerife, during which he used firearms and chemical substances to incapacitate his victims.
Operation Tamaide-TF: Unmasking the Criminal
The Guardia Civil launched Operation Tamaide-TF after identifying similarities in a series of crimes involving a lone male perpetrator. In each case, the suspect used a handgun and, in some instances, administered sedatives to his victims.
The first incident attributed to him occurred in May 2024, when he robbed a pharmacy in Arico. Wearing a mask and wielding a firearm, he demanded controlled medications, including Trankimazin and Lorazepam, both sedatives.
In September 2024, the suspect allegedly broke into a house in San Miguel de Abona, disabling the security systems before confronting the occupants. He reportedly forced them to ingest sedatives, then tied and gagged them before stealing cash and hunting weapons.
The third confirmed crime took place in November 2024 in Guía de Isora. After disabling the property’s security system and subduing the homeowners’ dogs with a spray, the suspect was caught in the act by the property owners. A struggle ensued, during which he threatened them with a firearm and inflicted injuries before fleeing the scene with a .22 calibre shotgun.
Arrest and Seizure of Weapons
The suspect was arrested on 24th January at his home in Arona. During a search of his residence and vehicle, authorities discovered a cache of evidence linking him to the crimes. Among the seized items were firearms, knives, disguises, tools, and clothing used during the robberies.
The arrest marks a significant success for the Guardia Civil, highlighting the effectiveness of coordinated police efforts and community cooperation in tackling violent crime. The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.
