VIDEO: National Police arrest 20 members of drug gang in Lanzarote
A major drug trafficking and money laundering network operating in the Canary Islands has been dismantled in a sweeping police crackdown, the National Police has confirmed.
The complex operation, centred on Lanzarote, is being described as one of the most significant of its kind in the province of Las Palmas. It followed the arrest of a Gran Canaria resident last June, who was caught attempting to collect a parcel containing illegal drugs.
That arrest triggered a ten-month investigation, culminating in April this year with the detention of 20 people believed to be part of the organised crime group.
Police carried out four simultaneous raids across Lanzarote, uncovering a major drugs haul. In total, officers seized 96kg of cocaine, 3kg of amphetamines, 1kg of crystal meth, 1kg of heroin, 60kg of hashish and 100 grams of “pink cocaine”, a potent synthetic drug known for its high price on the street.
Also recovered were several high-end vehicles, a rally car, and more than €53,000 in cash. Police estimate the street value of the seized drugs to exceed €4 million, underlining the scale of the criminal operation.
Investigators say the gang had built a sophisticated network for distributing narcotics and laundering drug profits. Intelligence gathered during the operation helped authorities identify and dismantle the network’s core leadership and infrastructure.
All 20 suspects were brought before the courts. Twelve have been remanded in custody pending further legal proceedings.
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