Two young people were arrested for allegedly committing a crime against public health after the Guardia Civil, as part of the Operational Plan for police response to retail drug trafficking and consumption in areas, places, and leisure venues, discovered them selling bottles of ethyl chlorine near a popular nightclub in Almoradí.

The incidents took place on March 1st when agents from the Main Post of the Guardia Civil of Almoradí’s Investigation Area set up a device to stop the selling of drugs near the company. During the surveillance, the agents noticed that a number of people approached a car parked in the parking lot many times within an hour of the nightclub opening. They got into the back of the car, spoke briefly with the owner or his friend, gave them some cash, and got a little white box before they left. It was later discovered that some of the purchasers had removed a spray can from the box and applied its contents to their clothing sleeves in order to breathe in the chemical.

The agents searched the car in question and identified the two suspected vendors after developing a suspicion that the chemical being given might be chlorethyl. They discovered the following things inside: 33 chlorethyl bottles, 6.7 grammes of cannabis, and 275 euros in different denomination bills.

The suspects, two young males, ages 23 and 26, were taken into custody on suspicion of selling illegal medications as a crime against public health. Together with the seized goods, the proceedings have been made available to the Judicial District of Orihuela’s Court on Duty.

A topical anaesthetic called chlorethyl is used to treat injuries sustained in sports or after impacts. Its misuse, however, might result in complete unconsciousness and memory loss. When this substance and alcohol are combined, respiratory coma may result, which could have major health repercussions.

The Guardia Civil reaffirms its commitment to combating drug trafficking and the use of illegal narcotics in recreational settings while cautioning about the dangers of inhalant use, which can result in major health harm.

Due to the increasing need for assistance and the overcrowding of the current SATSE Torrevieja, the Sindical SATSE Torrevieja section sent an urgent request to the department of health in Torrevieja’s management on November 27th, 2024, for the opening of a second PAC in the municipality, specifically at the health centre El Acequión. Outside of the health centre’s hours of care and on holidays, the centres with PAC respond to non-urgent calls.

More than one million

With an estimated population of 106,350 residents according to data from the Torrevieja Municipality, the city has a noticeable increase in population during the high season, particularly during the months of Semana Santa and summer, as a result of tourism. This increase may double or even triple the number of residents, indicating an additional need for assistance that the only point of continued care cannot effectively provide.

The current PAC (at the La Loma Health Centre, though the note does not mention it) is disbanded, which results in delays in patient care and overwork for medical professionals. Additionally, non-urgent cases may be diverted to the hospital, which would unnecessarily affect urgent care services.

The lack of accessibility has also been a concern because Torrevieja’s urban and residential areas are very large, making it difficult to access the only PAC available, especially at times of high demand.

Criteria

In order to ensure high-quality care, a PAC must serve a population of 25,000–30,000 people, per the health system’s guidelines. In this regard, it is evident that the sole facility of this kind in Torrevieja is overburdened, and the opening of a second facility is necessary to ensure health efficiency and raise the standard of care.

The municipality’s Nursing Union union section issues a warning over the population growth that will occur during the approaching Easter period, which also marks the start of a new tourism season. The strain on the already overburdened local health system will be exacerbated by this increase in visitor volume, which may ultimately cause the lone PAC to fail.

In order to make it easier to reach the neighbours who live farthest away from the current PAC, SATSE Torrevieja is asking for the opening of a second PAC in the Acequión Health Centre. The request also calls for the provision of the material and human resources required to guarantee optimal functioning, with a focus on hiring medical and nursing personnel.

The necessity

The union emphasises the project’s necessity and asks for a commitment to planning and scheduling in order to get the new PAC up and running before the upcoming peak season, which includes Easter.

In addition to reducing the burden on the current system, the opening of a second Continuous Care Point would enhance healthcare for all Torrevieja residents, ensuring a quicker, better, and more accessible service while also easing the strain on medical staff.

In addition to urging the authorities to respond to this request as quickly as feasible, SATSE Torrevieja agrees to participate in any initiative or meeting that will enable the completion of this essential project.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, public areas will be closed in preparation for the yellow weather alert.

According to a statement released by the Torrevieja City Council’s Department of Parks and Gardens, a number of public areas will be closed today Tuesday March 4th and Wednesday 5th owing to weather forecasts that indicate severe gusts and rain on Alicante’s southern coast.

In particular, the parks and leisure spaces listed below will continue to be closed:

• Parque Doña Sinforosa
• Parque de las Naciones
• Parque de la Estación
• Parque Aromático
• Área Recreativa «José Eduardo Gil Rebollo»

Since weather can pose a concern in particular places, the closure is in place to protect individuals. The Council has requested that locals and guests follow the directions and exercise caution throughout the remaining parts of the municipality.

To decide when each of the impacted regions can reopen, Torrevieja City Council will keep an eye on the weather.