Network that sold drugs to tourists in benidorm through QR Codes is broken up

The National Police of Alicante arrested 20 persons for allegedly selling drugs to tourists in Benidorm via QR codes.

The group consists of 17 men and three women, ranging in age from 22 to 63 years. They are members of two interconnected organisations that deliver drug substances to each other. They have been seized with 19 kilogrammes of drugs, a pistol, cash, and multiple vehicles.

The first organisation placed QR codes on bank branches, posts, and street furniture in tourist destinations. When scanned, they were linked to a private page on a messaging app that required permission to view.

After authorisation, the buyer agreed to a price and appointment. They either delivered drugs directly or concealed them in common areas of the urban environment.

The spatial distribution of the codes indicated a planned establishment with a high rotation of young foreigners, external surveillance, and counter-surveillance measures. The organisation was led by a man in charge of storing and safeguarding drugs at his address, a woman in charge of keeping the money in her housing, and other members with recruitment, support, and observation functions.

The arrest of eight individuals resulted in the seizure of nearly two kilogrammes of marijuana, one hashish, 628 grammes of cocaine, half a kilo of MDMA/ecstasy, 20 grammes of crystal, 795 euros in cash, four mobile phones, drug preparation and distribution materials, lock-picking tools, and two vehicles.

An illegal cocaine laboratory in a storage room

After analysing the network, it was discovered that a higher-level criminal organisation provided drugs to the group via QR code. This second network operated similarly to earlier groups, with a commander, a right-hand man, and many operators in charge of monitoring, environmental control, and substance distribution.

Additionally, the group processed the medication using its own infrastructure. This group seized over 4 kilos of cocaine, nearly 6 kilos of marijuana, 5 kilos of hashish, half a kilogram of MDMA/ecstasy, and 555 grams of cut.

The items included about 5,500 euros in cash, 500 pounds sterling, a 9mm semi-automatic pistol and cartridges, a metal hydraulic press, three precision scales, various packaging and processing instruments, and a passenger car.

Eleven of those arrested have prior convictions for different offences.

New arrests are still possible inside an ongoing operation. Three of those detained have already been sentenced to prison.