Brits amongst 19 arrested as seven cannabis clubs are raided in Torrevieja

Seven cannabis clubs in Torrevieja have been raided by the Guardia Civil and 19 people between the ages of 25 and 69 of eight nationalities have been arrested. Almost ten kilograms of marijuana, prohibited firearms and weapons, as well as more than 10,000 euros in cash was seized in the operation.

Operation ‘Libro Registro’ included ten searches of premises and homes, in addition to the arrest of people from the UK, Ireland, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Lithuania, and Chile, in an investigation that began when a slight increase was detected in infractions related to the consumption and possession of drugs in specific areas of Torrevieja, with teenagers and foreign tourists involved.

The investigation took place during March and April, and it was discovered that, under the guise of non-profit associations, these organisations exceeded the amounts of marijuana allowed per member for consumption on the premises. Nor were records of the origin of the drug kept and four of the seven clubs were not registered in the National Registry of Associations.

Likewise, it was revealed that the clubs in question weren’t only selling drugs to their members but also to minors and foreign tourists, all of which revealed that the investigated clubs were just a front for the wider distribution of drugs.

In total, seven searches were carried out at the cannabis clubs and three more at the homes of some of those responsible, where the arrests were made.

The police seized 9,338 grams of marijuana, 1,276 of hashish, 30 grams of cocaine, 32 litres of liquid cannabis, 42 marijuana plants, 60 canisters with liquid cannabis, various weapons, and more than 10,000 euros in cash, and one of the searches revealed a clandestine production of hashish, where products derived from cannabis were made, such as chocolates, cookies, resins, oils, and drinks.

According to their degree of participation, those arrested have been investigated for alleged crimes against public health (drug trafficking), illegal possession of weapons, and belonging to a criminal group, and have been made available to the Torrevieja Investigating Courts, which have ordered their release, with precautionary measures for all of them.

As a result of the evidence collected, the judicial authorities have ordered the temporary closure of the seven associations involved in the investigation for a period of 5 years as a preventive measure to guarantee the safety and well-being of the community.