Costa Blanca
17 arrested for people trafficking after the death of two Brits in a road accident

Following the deaths of two persons in a traffic accident on the La Manga del Mar Menor highway, National Police agents, working in tandem with the Civil Guard, have eliminated a criminal organisation that specialises in migrant trafficking.
Two persons were killed and eleven injured in the November 16th tragedy, which happened when a car blocking the road with a caravan that was towing a boat caused seven vehicles to collide.
17 persons have been taken into custody by agents on suspicion of belonging to a group that uses fast boats to encourage illegal immigration. Two cars, including the one involved in the fatal collision, two weapons, cell phones, beacons, and drugs were seized as a consequence of three searches conducted in Molina del Segura (Murcia), Elche, and Rojales.
The inquiry started on October 6th with the seizure of a rubber boat with a 150 HP engine and the arrest of three individuals by Civil Guard agents near kilometre 10 of the La Manga del Mar Menor road. A GPS, a satellite phone, 14 30-liter petrol canisters, bags, equipment, clothing and food were all confiscated from the boat.
Since then, the National Police and Civil Guard have been conducting a joint investigation, which has led to the discovery of a criminal organisation that reportedly planned to launch a small boat in the region.
Two British individuals lost their lives in a deadly accident.
An accident on the RM-12 route (El Algar-La Manga del Mar Menor), which runs through the municipality of Cabo de Palos-Cartagena, was reported to the Civil Guard one month later on November 16. When the authorities got there, they saw a number of automobiles colliding with an inflatable boat, resulting in a multiple accident. It appears that the accident happened when a car carrying a boat blocked the road with a trailer, causing seven automobiles to collide. Two British nationals, ages 49 and 57, were killed in the accident, and eleven others suffered injuries of various degrees.
The investigation’s main goal was to dismantle a suspected criminal network that was involved in the transportation of people and drugs across the Strait of Gibraltar after it was established that the vessel was a 10-meter inflatable boat with two 300 HP motors.
The brand and model of the car that was carrying the boat on the day of the collision, the location where it might have been concealed, and the driver’s name were all determined by investigators following multiple police investigations. The agents also found a number of residences connected to the criminal organisation they were investigating and were able to identify a number of individuals.
For the purpose of trafficking migrants, they employed swift boats with strong engines.
Although the structural damage was compatible with the accident, the inquiry found that the suspects had altered the registration number of the car used to transport the boat that resulted in the deadly collision on the La Manga road. The officers also discovered an electrical system that prevented the car’s front and back lights from turning on at the same time, allowing the driver to evade potential police monitoring.
According to agents, the disbanded organization’s primary activity was human trafficking, which involved moving people from North Africa to the Spanish coast via fast boats. Furthermore, they equipped themselves with stolen automobiles that they had fabricated license plates and paperwork for. They may make up to two journeys a day thanks to this innovative method of operation, which involves using high-quality boats (Phantom type) with powerful engines that cut the travel duration to about four or five hours.
In addition, the network was well-structured, with members clearly delineating their responsibilities. Some of them served as front men to give the boats the appearance of legality, while others were devoted to the preparation of the boats as well as the protection and custody of the pateras.
Three searches and 17 arrests were made in Molina de Segura (Murcia), Elche, and Rojales.
Ultimately, a sizable police force was used to carry out the operation on February 25th by operatives from the Civil Guard and the National Police.
17 people were taken into custody by the officers on suspicion of homicide, injuries, traffic safety violations, damage, abandoning the scene of an accident, illegal gun possession, drug trafficking, smuggling, document falsification, violating the rights of foreign nationals (by aiding illegal immigration), and membership in a criminal organisation.
Additionally, two cars, including the one that caused the deadly accident, a shotgun, a handgun, and ammunition were found during searches conducted in three homes in Molina de Segura (Murcia), Elche, and Rojales (Alicante). In addition, they confiscated almost 3,000 euros, 15 cell phones, beacons, various amounts of hashish and cocaine, and precision scales.
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Torrevieja presents one of its most comprehensive and ambitious programmes to date

An ambitious proposal that encompasses over 60 events for all audiences was unveiled this morning: Torrevieja’s Cultural Programme for the months of May to August 2025. The presentation was headed by Antonio Quesada, the Councillor for Culture; Manuel Esteban Moreno, the coordinator of the Joaquín Chapaprieta Municipal Institute of Culture; and Lalo Díez, the Director of Culture of Torrevieja.
Entertainment options for all ages, including musicals, concerts, theatre performances, ballet, comedy, and festivals, will fill the summer calendar. By providing a high-quality programme at its primary facilities, the Municipal Theatre and the International Auditorium, the city is fortifying its dedication to culture.
This is evidenced by the attendance figures, which have continued to increase since the beginning of 2025, with over 60 events occurring in the first four months of the year. March was a record-breaking month, with 21 introductory sessions and 14,000 attendees, resulting in a total of over 24,000 attendees by the beginning of April.
The Culture social media platforms are experiencing continued expansion, with 11,223 followers on Facebook and 7,290 on Instagram. In Torrevieja and the surrounding area, as well as in other countries like Sweden and the United Kingdom, 297,000 individuals viewed content on these social media channels last month.
The programme will commence with a bang with the premiere of “The Physician.” From April 25th to 27th, the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre will host a musical adaptation of Noah Gordon’s bestseller. The production is expected to captivate Torrevieja audiences, as it has already garnered eleven BroadwayWorld Awards and five Music Theatre Awards, and has been a critical favourite during the 2018-19 season, with a total of over 300,000 spectators. Additionally, it has performed in Madrid for two consecutive seasons.
In May, the Europa 2025 Gala and the Royal Film Concert Orchestra’s tribute to Williams, Zimmer, and Morricone will commence. “El Monaguillo,” which has already sold out a significant portion of its tickets, will return to Torrevieja. Two events that are certain to be sold out in the upcoming weeks.
The Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra (OST) will present its concert of “Mozart and Spanish Music” on the local side. The following day, Shani Ormiston will perform an intimate concert at the Municipal Theatre to introduce her new EP, “Vital.” The “Divas” tributes, which showcase the finest performances of legendary vocalists including Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, and Lady Gaga, will return a week later. This will be followed by the “Me cuesta tanto olvidarte” tribute to the iconic Spanish pop band Mecano.
Sabor & Cultura, an intimate experience that integrates gastronomy, wine, and music within the Teatro Municipal, will continue in May. The following events will take place throughout the month: “La Función Que Sale Mal,” a comedy that has captivated over 450,000 spectators in Madrid and is currently in its sixth successful season; “La Colección,” featuring the renowned actor José Sacristán; the Tribute to Copla and the Pasodoble by the band Los Salerosos; and the highly anticipated concert by the rising star Marta Santos, whose final tickets are already selling out.
Our city will commence June with the arrival of one of the most iconic musicals in history: The Phantom of the Opera. This production commences its eagerly anticipated Spanish tour with a stop at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre on June 6, 7, and 8, following its enormous triumph in Madrid, where it captivated over 160 million viewers in 21 languages in approximately 195 cities worldwide.
The upcoming month will feature a double performance by comedian Galder Varas at the International Auditorium, which is also on the brink of selling out; the 15th Festival de la Copla, which is organised by the Andalusian Cultural Association of Torrevieja; and the return of another Candlelight session, which will showcase classical music by candlelight.
Antoñito Molina, a singer-songwriter from Cádiz, will appear in Torrevieja at the end of June to perform an unforgettable show as part of his “Me Prometo” tour. In addition, he will be participating in numerous performances that will showcase the talents of the local community, including a concert featuring the Barcelona Clarinet Players and the Unión Musical Torrevejense.
The month of July is brimming with local talent, including the 30th Habaneras Night on the Beach, the Mario Bustillo Orfeón de Torrevieja, and concerts by the Francisco Casanovas Flute Orchestra.
The Musical Society of the City of Torrevieja “Los Salerosos” will organise the XIII International Festival of Music Bands of the City of Torrevieja and the V National Festival of Youth Bands, which will feature the participation of national entities from Callosa de Segura, Paiporta, Catarroja, and Torrevieja. The event will subsequently continue with another Candlelight.
But as every year, the biggest event in July will be the 71st International Habanera and Polyphony Competition, from July 20th to 26th, where choirs from around the world will perform the most iconic habaneras. As a major highlight, the opening gala will feature Sole Giménez, one of the most iconic voices in Spanish music.
The month will conclude with the return of the Reggaeton Beach Festival, which will transform Torrevieja into the urban music epicentre for two days. The festival will feature artists such as Justin Quiles, El Alfa, and Chencho Corleone.
The “Solera, Salero y Compás” Festival, which is organised by Casa Andalucía, will hold its third edition in August, the final month of the current season. The VII Chirigota Festival, which is organised by the Chirigota Cultural Association “Los Sangochaos,” will feature four groups of the genre.
The fifth edition of the Brilla Torrevieja festival will also be presented, with confirmed artists such as Camilo, Rels B, Walls, and Luli Pampin, and two more sessions by Candlelight.
Cultura Torrevieja is committed to preserving the city’s reputation as a cultural destination that is a must-see this spring and summer by offering a diverse selection of performances that are sure to captivate all audiences. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy exciting artistic experiences and immerse yourself in a world of creativity and entertainment. Tickets for nearly all of these activities are available for purchase on the www.culturatorrevieja.com website.
NOTABLE NAMES:
-The Doctor
-The Altar Boy
-Divas
-It’s so hard for me to forget you
-The Function That Goes Wrong
-The Collection, with José Sacristán
-Marta Santos
-Antoñito Molina
-Galder Varas
-The Phantom of the Opera
LOCAL PROGRAMMING:
-71st edition of the International Habaneras and Polyphony Competition
-III Festival “Solera, Salero y Compás”
-VII Chirigotas Festival
-13th International Festival of Music Bands of the City of Torrevieja and the 5th National Festival of Youth Bands
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Drugs den and ‘nursery’ dismantled in the same building in Alicante

The police have dealt a new blow to narcotic trafficking in Alicante. The National Police have demolished a drug sanctuary and an additional residence that served as a “nursery” for narcotics. The city center’s supply source, was located near The Principal Theatre. According to police sources, the operation led to the apprehension of two alleged traffickers, aged 36 and 52. The judge has ordered the remand of the primary suspect in detention.
The anti-drug investigation commenced following the identification of a potential drug retail point in a city residence, from which various narcotics, including cocaine and hashish, were distributed.
In the course of conducting surveillance around the residence under investigation, officers verified that the occupant was engaging in illicit activities within the premises. The occupant used a room in another flat within the same building as a drug depot, storing the majority of the substances to reduce the likelihood of a police raid.
During the operational portion of the investigation, a police operation resulted in the arrest of the primary suspect and the owner of the residence where the narcotics were stored.
Concurrently, a search was conducted, resulting in the seizure of 242 grams of cocaine, 280 grams of hashish, €897 in small bills, and numerous precision scales and instruments for preparing doses.
The local magistrates’ court in Alicante has brought the primary suspect before it and jailed him following police proceedings. Through this operation, the national police have effectively eliminated a significant drug distribution point that supplies the city centre.
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Six arrested at paella event in Alicante

According to a statement from the police headquarters, the National Police conducted a search in the city of Alicante during the university paella event at the Rabasa fairgrounds. The raid resulted in the identification of 97 individuals and the arrest of six.
On Wednesday, April 16th, approximately 19,000 individuals attended the event, which is held during the Easter break.
In addition to the individuals who were identified, officers confiscated 18 vehicles, issued seven penalties for possession of narcotic substances, and apprehended six individuals for a variety of offences, such as robbery with intimidation, vehicle theft, burglary, legal action, and theft.
The operation was coordinated by the Alicante Provincial Police Station and involved officers from the Prevention and Reaction Units, Operational Response Group Units, the Mobile Brigade, the Citizen Service Group, dog handlers, and support officers from the various Brigades and the Northern District Police Station. The operation proceeded without incident as usual. Additionally, officers from the Alicante Local Police took part.
Officers from the Aerial Media Unit used police drones to monitor the event from the air.
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