Eight held after huge cocaine and hashish haul

Police have dismantled a suspected international drugs network after seizing 2.5 tonnes of hashish and 600 kilos of cocaine in an operation that led to eight arrests across Spain, including three in Cullera.

The National Police said the group used Valencia and Malaga as stop-off points to store, prepare and redistribute drugs before sending them on to France. Officers also seized weapons, stolen vehicles, false number plates and forged documents.

Investigators began work in May

The inquiry began in May after investigators in Valencia and Torremolinos-Benalmádena learned of a group allegedly operating on the Costa del Sol. Police said the suspects were involved in buying, storing, preparing and transporting narcotics by road for European markets, mainly France.

According to the police account, the organisation sourced cocaine and hashish in Portugal and then moved the consignments through Spain. Part of the cargo was distributed along the route, while the rest was stored and broken down for later delivery across the border.

Officers said the suspects used high-powered cars stolen mainly in France and Belgium, fitted with altered plates. The vehicles were chosen for their size and engine capacity so they could be used to escape if the group believed it was being followed by police or rival gangs.

Searches uncovered weapons and fake documents

In September, officers searched six homes and one business premises in the provinces of Valencia and Malaga. In one of the properties they found the 2.5 tonnes of hashish and 600 kilos of cocaine.

The operation also turned up a rifle, around €13,000 in cash, five stolen vehicles, 14 sets of false number plates, plate-making tools, signal jammers and fake identity documents.

The eight men arrested are aged between 24 and 58. Police said the detentions took place in Valencia, Malaga and Girona, with three arrests in Cullera, two in Marbella, two in Torremolinos and one in Girona.

The suspects are being investigated for drug trafficking, belonging to a criminal organisation, unlawful possession of weapons, vehicle theft and document forgery. A judge has remanded three of them in custody.