Walter Finch
A BAND of drug traffickers were surprised by police as they unloaded their wares on a beach in the heart of one of the Costa del Sol’s most popular tourist and expat areas.
Policia Nacional made seven arrests when they raided the early morning drug shipment of 150 kilograms of cocaine on a beach between Manilva and Casares.
The operation, which took place on Monday March 10 was the culmination of an ongoing investigation by specialised anti-narcotics and organised crime units.
Police had been monitoring the suspected criminal gang’s activities for some time before intercepting what authorities describe as a ‘significant shipment.’
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Two of the suspects have been remanded in custody without bail after providing statements during the court proceedings.
The remaining five suspects exercised their right to remain silent and were released on provisional bail. They will be expected to appear in court when summoned.
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All individuals are being investigated for alleged crimes against public health, illegal weapons possession, forgery of public documents relating to the boat’s registration, and theft and use of a motor vehicle.
The seizure marks an alarming return to drug deliveries onto popular Costa del Sol beaches after a hiatus that has seen most trafficking shift northwards to the Cadiz coast.
The recent stormy weather is thought to have hampered the movements of the narco speedboats and forced them to make shorter journeys across the Strait of Gibraltar.
