Four individuals have been apprehended by National Police officers in Dénia (Alicante) for the “indiscriminate” sale of drugs under the guise of a purportedly legitimate association. Over four kilogrammes of marijuana, cannabis, cocaine, and distribution materials were confiscated during the search.

The investigation began following the identification of a potential clandestine drug trafficking organisation. According to a statement from the police headquarters, the establishment was experiencing a consistent flow of individuals at various periods of the day, despite the absence of any sign or apparent commercial activity.

The officers initiated procedures to confirm the status of the establishment in conjunction with the Judicial Police and Citizen Security Units. They verified that the establishment did not have any activity records registered at the regional level during the inspections.

They also confirmed that the establishment’s basic supplies were registered to someone possibly linked to the criminal community. The association’s manager also had a criminal record.

The police conducted a “discreet” operation that verified the regular sale of narcotics at the establishment. Lines formed outside the establishment to purchase drugs on certain days, “as if it were a genuine drug supermarket.”

“Once we obtained the necessary judicial authorisations, we conducted a search. The search revealed numerous containers labelled with marijuana, zip-lock sacks containing the same substance, and pre-made homemade cigarettes. Cocaine was consumed in some areas, and some narcotics were hidden in appliances and furniture,” said the police.

The authorities confiscated over four kilogrammes of marijuana, a lesser quantity of hashish, and a small quantity of cocaine. The search resulted in the arrest of two males, aged 42 and 22, respectively.

Despite a court order sealing off the premises, the investigation continued in an effort to identify the remaining suspects. Shortly thereafter, Denia police apprehended two more males, ages 22 and 23.

An alleged offence against public health has resulted in the arrest of the four suspects. Two of the apprehended individuals had prior convictions for comparable offences.

The Denia Court of First Instance has been informed of all the proceedings.

The orange butane gas cylinder has been a symbol of Spanish residences for decades. Several generations have collectively imagined its distinctive colour and shape, a fixture in kitchens, bathrooms, and terraces. Nevertheless, the manner in which we consume energy is subject to change as well. This classic appears to be on the brink of extinction in the face of technological advancements and the movement towards a more sustainable energy transition.

Repsol and Cepsa, two of the largest companies in the world, have made strides in 2025 by introducing more efficient, lightweight, and modern alternatives. These new cylinders incorporate technological advancements to improve product control and traceability. Furthermore, the expansion of alternative energy sources, including natural gas, induction charging, and heat pumps, is progressively relegating butane to a secondary position.

The new butane cylinder that is here to stay

Repsol has spearheaded the market transformation with an intriguing proposal: a butane cylinder that is lighter than the traditional cylinder, with a capacity of 12 kg and a total weight of only 17 kg, as opposed to the traditional cylinder’s 25 kg. This new version is more convenient to transport and use on a daily basis due to its use of lighter materials and high-strength steel.

Additionally, users can monitor the container’s status and consumption in greater detail thanks to its NFC chip. The retail price of this cylinder varies between €20 and €24, depending upon the point of sale, which can be found at petrol stations or online.

Cepsa has not been neglected. The company has selected a line of cylinders that are lighter and more manageable. The 12.5 kg model, which is similar in capacity to the traditional model, is sold on the open market at prices varying from €17.67 to €20.94 and has a lower total weight (18 kg).

This alternative is particularly appealing to home consumers who continue to depend on butane for cooking or heating water, as it provides a satisfactory balance of functionality and user-friendliness. Notable products designed for outdoor living and leisure are the Campingaz 901 and 902 petrol cylinders.

The conventional butane gas cylinder, despite its continued presence in millions of households, appears to have commenced its journey towards its definitive extinction. Companies such as Repsol and Cepsa’s dedication to containers that are lighter, more manageable, and more sustainable is indicative of not only a commercial necessity but also an adaptation to the evolving era. Our society is transitioning to a more environmentally benign energy model that emphasises rational and efficient resource utilisation.

Additionally, state regulation is exerting a significant influence. The government establishes prices for certain cylinders, including the regulated 12.5 kg cylinder (currently priced at €17.67), which provides some level of consumer protection. Nevertheless, the emergence of new options that make a significant difference is being driven by competition and innovation in the free market.

However, the development of butane does not exclusively determine the future. Propane gas stands out as a powerful alternative, particularly in cold regions where butane gasification poses challenges. Propane is available in regulated 11 kg containers (priced at €14.65) and larger 35 kg containers, which are intended for high-volume industrial or domestic consumption, with prices commencing at €70. These containers are designed to provide a more effective response to low temperatures.

Although we cannot definitively declare the renowned orange butane gas cylinder extinct, it is gradually disappearing from the Spanish energy landscape. More sustainable and efficient foundations, tailored to a more comfortable lifestyle, establish the future.

Alternative sources of energy

In contrast to conventional butane gas cylinders, new energy alternatives exhibit distinctions that surpass mere weight or price. The evolution of energy consumption in Spanish homes is indicative of a more profound transformation: a change in consumer mindsets, routines, and our understanding of sustainability and efficiency.

Although butane remains a pertinent energy source in numerous rural areas and second residences, it is losing ground to more contemporary alternatives. Electric induction cooktops have become the norm for cooking in newly constructed residences, particularly in urban areas. They are safe, easy to clean, and faster than traditional gas, making them attractive for both families and people who live alone or have little time to cook.

Another development that is acquiring momentum is the heat pump. This system, capable of providing heating in winter and cooling in summer, consumes less energy than traditional methods and significantly reduces CO₂ emissions. Furthermore, some models can also heat domestic water, making them a comprehensive solution for the home. In this context, the classic orange gas cylinder is starting to seem like a thing of the past.

The estimation for global wine consumption in 2024 is 214 million hectolitres, which is a 3.3% decrease from 2023. This figure would represent the lowest global consumption level since 1961 if it is confirmed.

The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) proclaimed this on Tuesday, April 15th, emphasising the significance of multilateral cooperation and adaptability to evolving circumstances. The organisation published statistics on production, consumption, and trade for all producing and consuming countries (more than 180) in order to provide a comprehensive overview of the sector for the 2024 calendar year.

Particularly, he observed that this decrease in consumption is the result of “a confluence of economic and geopolitical factors that generate inflation and uncertainty, as well as a decline in mature markets, driven by evolving lifestyle preferences, shifts in social habits, and generational changes in consumer behaviour.” Nevertheless, the consumption of wine has never been so prevalent on a global scale in 195 countries. It is important to bear in mind that numerous countries with substantial populations and high aggregate consumption still possess substantial growth potential.

The OIV observed that the global vineyard area has decreased over the past four years. A reduced rate of decline was suggested by a 0.6% contraction to 7.1 million hectares in 2024. The primary reason for this decline is the clearance of vineyards in the primary wine-growing regions. However, certain countries are exhibiting a dynamic expansion of their vineyards, as explained.

In 2024, it is anticipated that the global wine production will reach 226 million hectolitres, the lowest level in over 60 years, a 5% decrease from 2023. This is predominantly the result of climate change, which is driving unpredictable and extreme weather events in both the northern and southern hemispheres.

Maintaining equilibrium between supply and demand

The OVI anticipates that the global market balance will persist in 2024, despite the ongoing declines in both production and consumption. This is due to the fact that production is unlikely to surpass demand, a trend that was observed during the subpar 2023 harvest. “The market may be stabilised by two consecutive years of low production, although stock levels are expected to remain inconsistent across regions.” “International trade preserves its volume and value,” it clarified.

The export volume remained consistent at 99.8 million hectolitres. The average export price of €3.60/litre remains at a historically high level, despite a minor decrease in export value by 0.3% to €36 billion. In comparison to pre-pandemic years, prices remain elevated by nearly 30% due to inflation and inadequate supply.

Director General John Barker of the OIV stated that the wine sector faces a challenge in adapting to all of these impacts; however, successful adaptation will provide opportunities. These are the components that will propel progress in the wine sector: collaborating to create climate change solutions and establish wine as a sustainability benchmark; investing in research on new audiences to gain a better understanding of their perspective on wine; and fortifying our dedication to global trade and multilateralism.