Nine people have been arrested in Gran Canaria after police uncovered a suspected illegal operation supplying large quantities of fuel to a boat off the island’s south-east coast.

The Guardia Civil seized four large vans during the operation, along with numerous fuel containers and two tanks capable of holding 1,000 litres each.

The investigation began after officers became suspicious of two rented vans which they believed could be being used to transport large quantities of fuel. Surveillance led them to Pozo Izquierdo, in the municipality of Santa Lucía de Tirajana.

Two more similar vans were later spotted in the same area, prompting investigators to monitor all four vehicles.

At the same time, officers were alerted to a large rigid inflatable boat travelling at high speed along the coast without any visible identification. It headed north towards the Salinas de Matorral area.

The four vans were then seen travelling together along dirt tracks towards the coast through the Tirajana ravine.

According to the Guardia Civil, officers observed activity consistent with fuel being transferred from the vans to the boat.

Police prepared to intercept the vehicles as they returned from the coast, with officers from Santa Lucía de Tirajana Local Police assisting the operation.

One of the vans attempted to escape, heading through the Tirajana ravine towards El Doctoral and Vecindario.

Police said its occupants ignored lights and sirens and carried out dangerous manoeuvres which put pedestrians and other road users at risk.

After a pursuit lasting several minutes, officers managed to stop the van and arrest its three occupants.

In total, nine people were arrested. Investigators also recovered numerous fuel containers, some empty and others still containing fuel, as well as two 1,000-litre tanks containing fuel residue.

Those arrested are suspected of offences relating to the illegal possession, transport or supply of fuel, as well as alleged membership of a criminal group.

Three of the nine also face allegations of serious disobedience and road traffic offences in connection with the police pursuit.

The investigation remains open, and the case will now be referred to the relevant judicial authorities as officers continue working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the suspected operation.