Nine held after family drug network uncovered in coastal homes

Police in Roquetas de Mar have dismantled what investigators describe as a family-run drug network that used adjoining homes as stash points for cocaine, tusi and hashish, with machetes, katanas and other weapons also seized in the operation.

The National Police operation, codenamed Candela, led to nine arrests after months of surveillance linked the properties in Aguadulce and La Mojonera to alleged street-level dealing and the movement of cash between the homes.

Homes used as stash points

According to the investigation, one property acted as the main point of sale, while nearby houses were allegedly used to store drugs for quick replenishment and to reduce the risk of losing stock if police moved in.

Officers also say they identified a second property where meetings with suppliers took place, and another where cash from the alleged sales was kept. Police followed the trail of money and drugs through discreet surveillance and phone interceptions.

The investigation reportedly began in February and later widened after officers connected the suspected drug activity to an inquiry into irregular address registrations. Detectives believe one of those under scrutiny was involved in distributing the substances with the help of vehicles and several taxi drivers.

Police say some of the drivers acted as couriers, collecting doses of cocaine, hashish or money on behalf of the network. In one search of a driver, officers allegedly found hashish hidden inside the fuel cap.

Drugs, cash and weapons seized

During the raids, officers seized about 1.149 kilos of hashish, 75 grams of cocaine and 64 grams of tusi, much of it already divided up for sale, along with precision scales, packaging material and other equipment used to prepare the drugs.

Investigators also recovered €31,675 in cash. In addition, they found a simulated firearm disguised as a walking stick, three large machetes, a handmade katana, a 12-gauge shotgun, a .22 rifle, ammunition, a pellet pistol, an electric stun device, knives and a dagger.

Four of the nine suspects were released with charges after giving statements at police stations, while the remaining five were brought before the judge in Roquetas de Mar. Two of them were remanded in custody.