Guardia Civil in Torrevieja shut down a drug gang, arresting seven people and shutting down the gang’s presumed point of sale. Bar ‘La Oficina’ near Habaneras shopping centre has been closed since the raid, police tape on the door warning that the bar is shut until further notice. The bar is thought to have been run by one of the gang leaders, also arrested during the operation. The detainees, four men and three women ranging in age between 28 and 45 have been charged with a string of crimes including belonging to a criminal organisation and drugs offences. Police claim the gang members prepared and sold doses of cocaine, keeping the wrapped doses in lunchboxes, hidden inside a microwave and ready for sale.
The operation came about as a result of a citizen complaint, claiming there were regular drug transactions taking place in the bar and at a nearby children’s park. Torrevieja Guardia Civil then opened an investigation into the activities at the bar.
Officers confirmed that the operation was led by two brothers, a taxi driver and a bricklayer who was also the manager of the bar under investigation.
Police put the bar under surveillance and noted several people double parking outside for very short periods of time, emerging after a matter of minutes Officers also witnessed drug exchanges between those now arrested and visitors to the bar. Guardia Civil also believe that the taxi owned by one of the brothers as well as another vehicle owned by the gang were used for drug ‘phone in’ drop offs to clients. Officers described this ‘telecocaine’ service as a situation where the gang took telephone orders from clients and delivered cocaine to their homes.
As well as the bar, raids were also carried out in three houses, resulting in the seizure of over 220 grams of cocaine paste, 35.5 grams of cocaine prepared in 68 doses, 5.8 grams of marijuana, precision scales and cutting equipment, dosage and packaging utensils, two simulated weapons, various mobile phones, 12,055 euros in cash and five vehicles.
It was during one of the home raids of one of the gang members that officers found the wraps of cocaine hidden inside a microwave. Officers say these doses were prepared by the suspect’s wife.
For now, the bar has been closed pending the outcome of judicial proceedings. The two main gang members have been remanded in custody while the rest have been released with charges.