Laurence Dollimore
THREE alleged gangsters accused of shooting a rival in the leg in Marbella have been arrested.
An AK-47, bulletproof vests and 5kg of cocaine were among the items seized during raids at multiple properties along the Costa del Sol on July 16.
Police also found two Hollywood-style, full face silicone masks that allowed the suspects to completely change identity.
The trio are said to be behind a dramatic shooting in Puerto Banus back in March, which saw a young man take a bullet inside a shisha bar at around 1.25am.
They have been sent to prison ahead of trial where they will face a series of different charges, including attempted murder, weapon possession, drug trafficking, falsifying documents and more.
Their names and nationalities have not been released, with police declaring the investigation is ‘ongoing and secret’.
There were four searches in total, including in homes in Mijas and Malaga city, with other items seized including a gun silencer, six guns, four mobile phones, bullets, fake documents and €90,000 cash.
The months-long probe was carried out by the anti-drug UDYCO-Costa del Sol force and the Organised Crime Group II of the Malaga Provincial Police.
On the day of the shooting that sparked the investigation, two rival clans from ‘large scale drug trafficking mafias’ are said to have met at a bar.
The alleged shooter is accused of pointing his gun at the victim’s head as a warning before deciding to take a shot at his knee instead.
Members from both gangs then began shooting at one another, with the violent scenes spilling out onto the street.
At least 15 bullets and five cartridges were later recovered by police.
