Fire uncovers a clandestine warehouse containing 2,000 marijuana plants

As part of enterprise Ardreat, the Guardia Civil dismantled a big indoor marijuana growing enterprise in an industrial warehouse in the Orihuela neighbourhood. The investigation resulted in the arrest of a 38-year-old man accused of a public health violation and electricity fraud.

The investigation began on July 23rd, when the Guardia Civil discovered a fire inside the warehouse. Three fire crews from the Provincial Fire Consortium of Almoradí and Orihuela responded and successfully doused the flames. After the fire was extinguished, it was discovered that the facility was being utilised as a marijuana growth centre, with a complicated indoor system.

Inside, officers discovered a matryoshka-style construction with three rooms: two for cultivation and a central one for the electrical panels. Because of the inadequate installation, the fire started right there. In total, 2,000 marijuana plants were seized, along with objects and materials directly related to the illegal business.

The Callosa de Segura Guardia Civil inquiry Department took up the inquiry and launched Operation Ardreat. During the investigation, it was discovered that no one accountable for the warehouse was present when the fire started. Later, technicians from the electrical supply company discovered that the crop was being supplied via an illegal connection to the grid. This fraud cost the organisation over €79,000.

Background

The investigation identified the warehouse’s occupant as an Almoradí resident with a history of similar offences. He was arrested on July 29 for allegedly committing offences against public health and electricity fraud.

The detainee and the procedures were turned over to the Investigative Court of the Judicial District of Orihuela, which ordered his release on charges.

The Guardia Civil emphasises that, given the current high temperatures and significant risk of fire, these sorts of clandestine facilities constitute an additional risk, as fires directly linked to marijuana farms with comparable characteristics have been reported on multiple occasions.

Author: Derek Appleton