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The Policía Nacional have arrested 80 people in Benidorm in a major operation targeting drug trafficking in a well-known leisure area of the town. The case centres on the sale of drugs on a small scale, with officers saying the establishments under investigation were being used for retail drug dealing.

 

Among those detained are two business brothers who ran several leisure venues, as well as two other brothers who were in charge of security and public relations at the premises. Police say one of the main suspects is still being sought.

 

The operation was carried out over two nights and involved a large joint deployment from National Police units, the Benidorm Policía Local, and the Policía Nacional unit attached to the Generalitat Valenciana. Officers inspected up to seven leisure venues, where they had already carried out surveillance and checks during the investigation.

 

On the first night, 53 people were arrested. During the searches, officers seized more than €32,000 in cash, 40 walkie-talkies, 16 mobile phones, six pepper sprays, a brass knuckle, two magnetic boxes used to hide drugs, and quantities of cocaine, ecstasy, cutting agent and marijuana.

 

A further 24 people were arrested on the second night. Days later, the two brothers who owned and managed the venues were also detained, along with one of the brothers responsible for security. The other security manager has not yet been located.

 

Police say the establishments had become a hotspot for drug sales and related offences, as well as crimes against public order and property. During the investigation, there were also fights and brawls outside the venues, with arrests for assault and the seizure of machetes, knives and other blunt objects.

 

One of the most serious incidents involved alleged intimidation and harassment of Benidorm Policía Local officers while they were carrying out an intervention. According to investigators, those actions were coordinated by two of the main suspects, who were already known to police for other offences, including drug trafficking.

 

Officers also say the group used a system of surveillance to watch police movements on the street. They gave officers nicknames depending on whether they were in uniform or plainclothes, or whether they belonged to the Policía Nacional or the Policía Local. Walkie-talkies were used to alert staff when to open or close doors, making it harder for police to spot drug deals or other illegal activity inside.

 

Investigators found that some of those involved in security, surveillance and public relations were also directing customers to the right people and places to buy drugs. In some cases, police say, waiters at the venues were the ones dealing.

 

All 80 detainees, aged between 18 and 82, were released after giving statements. The case has now been passed to the duty court in Benidorm, while the investigation remains open.

 

 

Image: Policía Nacional