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Date Published: 16/05/2024
Drug-dealing British expat arrested in Costa Blanca cannabis club
The Torrevieja venue was shut down for allegedly pedalling illegal drugs to tourists
A British man has been arrested in connection with a drug dealing operation at a cannabis club in the Costa Blanca city of Torrevieja. According to reports, the Guardia Civil launched an investigation following complaints of drug sales targeting foreign tourists.
Operation ‘Primatum’ commenced in February and investigators quickly confirmed that the club, which was operating under the guise of a non-profit organisation, was actually trafficking and selling illegal narcotics.
A search warrant was issued on the premises and a 37-year-old male employee of British nationality was arrested.
Despite being ordered to close, the club reportedly reopened without legal permission, leading to the subsequent arrest of two Colombian staff members, aged 22 and 27, for drug trafficking and serious disobedience to authority at the beginning of May. All three suspects were released pending further investigation.
Several foreign tourists were also fined for carrying marijuana and hashish on public roads after leaving the club – it’s legal to consume these substances on the premises, but not to remove them. Officers also found that the club was storing far more drugs than necessary for the number of registered members.
The Torrevieja court has now initiated proceedings against the club’s executives, namely the president, secretary and treasurer, for potential criminal liability related to drug trafficking, serious disobedience to authority and membership in a criminal organisation.
During the raids, the authorities confiscated approximately 4,840 kilos of marijuana, 966 grams of hashish, 11 joints and an undisclosed amount of cash.
The court has temporarily closed the club for five years to ensure the safety and welfare of the community. This marks the twentieth cannabis association closed in Torrevieja since 2019.
In other news: Dog digs up severed arm of German woman on Alicante farm
Image: Guardia Civil
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