Police start using drones to identify drug dealers in Lanzarote
The Local Police in Arrecife are stepping up their presence in key areas of Lanzarote to tackle drug dealing and consumption in public spaces, particularly those frequented by young people.
Mayor Yonathan de León, who also oversees the Local Police, has made it a priority to prevent parks and community areas from being used by so-called “camellos” (street-level drug dealers) and to curb drug use among teenagers.
Police officers have been carrying out surveillance in sensitive areas, combining residents’ reports with undercover investigations using unmarked cars and plainclothes officers.
Preventive patrols in busy areas
In the run-up to the new school year, several patrols carried out preventive checks this week in different parts of the city, including the well-known Parque Los Pinos in the Titerroy neighbourhood. According to the mayor, these operations will continue regularly, with additional interventions whenever residents raise concerns about specific locations.
Utilising New Technology
The Local Police, working in coordination with the National Police, have already achieved a significant drop in criminal offences in Arrecife during the first half of 2025, particularly those linked to drugs. This improvement contrasts with a rise in similar offences in other municipalities across Lanzarote, according to the Ministry of the Interior’s latest figures.
In recent months, the Arrecife Local Police successfully identified a dealer using police drones, supported by undercover patrols. Mayor de León highlighted that the force now has some of the most advanced resources and technology of any Local Police force in the Canary Islands, enabling them to strengthen their preventive and enforcement efforts.
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