The National Police has dealt a significant blow to drug trafficking in Lanzarote with the arrest of three individuals, aged 44, 47, and 49, all of whom have criminal records, on suspicion of drug trafficking and membership in a criminal organisation. The operation culminated in the seizure of 55 kilograms of cocaine, with a street value exceeding €1.6 million.
The investigation began last May when officers from the Local Drug Unit in Arrecife detected suspicious movements by three men who frequently travelled from Gran Canaria to Lanzarote. According to police inquiries, their aim was to introduce and distribute significant quantities of cocaine on the island within short timeframes.
During surveillance operations, officers observed that the suspects employed various counter-surveillance techniques in an attempt to evade detection. Nevertheless, ongoing monitoring allowed police to track their movements to a holiday rental property located in Playa Honda, where they arrived carrying large suitcases.
The police intervention occurred promptly. In one of the vehicles used by the suspects, officers discovered two backpacks containing 18 packages of cocaine weighing approximately 20 kilograms. Subsequently, a search of the holiday property uncovered an additional 32 packages weighing nearly 35 kilograms more. In total, the seized drugs amounted to 55 kilograms.
The third member of the organisation was arrested at Lanzarote airport while attempting to leave the island.
Following their arraignment, the relevant judicial authority ordered the immediate incarceration of the three detainees, citing the seriousness of the crimes and the potential flight risk.
The National Police emphasises that this operation represents a significant disruption to narcotics trafficking networks operating in the Canary Islands. The investigation remains open to identify other possible members of the organisation and to ascertain the extent of the logistical infrastructure used to smuggle cocaine into Lanzarote.
