National Police arrested a man in Petrer for drug trafficking, illegal weapons possession, and electricity fraud

A 44-year-old man has been arrested by the National Police in Petrer (Alicante) on suspicion of drug trafficking, unlawful weapon possession, and electricity fraud.

The individual who was arrested was cultivating marijuana on an urban property that spanned over 5,000 square metres. A completely operational indoor plantation, an arsenal of weapons, and an illegal electrical connection were discovered within his building.

The Local Judicial Police Brigade of the Elda-Petrer Police Station conducted the investigation upon discovering the potential existence of an indoor plantation in the municipality of Petrer.

The urban property under surveillance, which was over 5,000 square metres in size, was difficult for police to observe due to its architecture, topography, streets, and facade, which favoured its use for illicit activities.

Officers detected a potent odour that was indicative of marijuana plantations from the outset of their investigation. This odour was particularly potent due to the plants’ advanced growth stage.

In addition, this type of clandestine installation is frequently characterised by constant machinery commotion, frequent power outages, and water leaks.

Investigators identified two partially concealed air conditioning units and a more secure area that contained additional ventilation equipment during the surveillance of the premises.

A portion of the wiring for these systems was concealed in a homemade bunker-like structure that was being utilised for plant cultivation.

According to the same sources, the aforementioned individual was apprehended after the property was entered and searched based on the evidence collected.

A total of 741 marijuana plants and over six kilos of harvested marijuana flowers were confiscated within the premises.

Furthermore, ammunition, a non-lethal electric shock weapon, various bladed weapons, a surveillance camera, four shotguns, a rifle, three carbines, and an air pistol (all of varying calibres) were discovered.

It is believed that the residence was connected to the electricity infrastructure illegally in order to meet the high consumption demands of the cultivation system. Additionally, a total of 3,300 euros in currency was confiscated, which was distributed among bills of varying denominations.

The Elda Duty Court of Instruction obtained the detainee, who was not authorised to possess the confiscated weapons due to a lack of documentation or licence.