In a major operation, agents of the National Police have confiscated almost a ton of the highest-purity cocaine from a luxury villa in Tenerife, making it the largest apprehension of a Spanish criminal organization in the Canary Islands.
During the operation, a total of nine people have been arrested, with seven belonging to the Spanish organization. The operation also resulted in the capture of a high-level Colombian drug trafficker, acting as a notary for the originating network, and an Italian criminal linked to the mafia in Spain, attempting to establish new markets in the country.
The operation began several months ago when agents became aware of an organization dedicated to distributing cocaine shipments from South America, with connections in the provinces of Málaga, Seville, and the islands of Lanzarote and Tenerife.
100 Kilos of Cocaine found in car boot:
Investigators noticed increased activity within the organization during a meeting of its key members with counterparts from Málaga. The latter group had rented a vehicle, and agents observed their entry into a monitored residence, accompanied by a high-end car acting as counter-surveillance.
Suspecting the transport of narcotics, agents decided to intervene. The drivers attempted to flee but were intercepted, displaying significant resistance to police action. Upon opening the rented vehicle's boot, investigators found four sports bags containing 100 kilograms of cocaine. Subsequently, the leaders of the organization were arrested.
950 Kilograms of Cocaine seized in a Luxury Villa:
Simultaneously, the luxury villa where the 100 kilograms of cocaine had been loaded was raided in Barranco Hondo (Santa Cruz de Tenerife). Two people inside, who were guarding 950 kilograms of cocaine, were arrested, requiring the intervention of the Special Operations Group (GOES) due to the dangerous nature of the criminals.
Subsequently, eight new raids were conducted in the provinces of Tenerife, Lanzarote, Málaga, and Seville, resulting in the seizure of nine vehicles, €12,000 in cash, a money-counting machine, frequency blockers, tracking devices, a drone, and an arsenal of bladed weapons.
Despite attempts by the suspects to evade justice, all seven members of the organization were eventually apprehended. The operation also led to the arrest of a well-known Colombian drug trafficker, who was in Tenerife to ensure the distribution of cocaine and collect the agreed-upon funds for the organization's leaders.
Additionally, an Italian citizen linked to the mafia in Italy was arrested for attempting to expand criminal activities in Spain.
With the successful conclusion of this operation, the organization is considered dismantled, and a historic cocaine seizure in the Canary Islands, the largest to date, has been accomplished. All nine detainees have been remanded into custody.
