The National Police arrested four people aged 33 to 36 in Elda and Monforte del Cid (Alicante) on suspicion of drug trafficking, illegal firearm possession, criminal gang membership, and electricity fraud. Officers confiscated nine kilograms of marijuana buds and two converted weapons, among other goods.
The Elda-Petrer Police Station’s Narcotics Unit launched the investigation earlier this year after receiving information from another operation in which three people were arrested, according to a National Police statement.
The investigation led to a home in a rural area of Monforte del Cid, where a medium-sized marijuana plantation could have been developed. Based on these indications, a search operation was initiated on the premises.
Agents from the Local Judicial Police Brigade noticed regular movement of people at various times of the day, which raised suspicions of unlawful activity.
After gathering enough evidence, a search was carried out. The Elda-Petrer Police Station organised the operation, which involved the Operational Response Group (GOR) and personnel from the Local Judicial Police Brigade.
Inside the house, there were two indoor plantations with crops at various stages of development, each fitted with hydroponic systems, LED lighting, air conditioning systems, carbon filters, and extractors.
In addition, equipment for narcotics dosage and distribution was discovered. Nine kilograms of dried marijuana buds, an air gun, various doses of cocaine, cell phones, jewellery, and over €600 in cash were also seized, reportedly from drug sales.
During the search, two weapons were discovered, one of which had been stolen in Murcia. They consisted of a sawed-off 12/70 -calibre shotgun and a 6.35 mm semi-automatic handgun. The latter was initially a blank-firing weapon before being modified by altering the barrel to shoot live ammo. Furthermore, a separate marking had been put on it, making it impossible to identify.
These weapons are considered forbidden since their modification renders them illegal while also increasing their dangerous capacity, according to the authorities.
The home was equipped with a video monitoring system that included outdoor cameras. It has been found that this technology was designed to identify the presence of police forces or possible invaders, including members of other criminal networks that specialise in so-called “vuelcos” (violent drug theft between rival criminal gangs).
During the operation, the National Police discovered a common owl in a cage. This species is classified as protected wildlife. Its transfer to a specialised recovery centre was requested, and a fine was imposed for violating the Animal Protection Law.
The four detainees—three in Elda and one in Monforte del Cid—were transported to police headquarters and then brought before the Elda (Alicante) Duty Court.
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