Alcoy – The Guardia Civil and the National Police have successfully dismantled an international criminal organization involved in large-scale marijuana cultivation and distribution in Millena. The operation led to the arrest of four individuals—two of Albanian nationality and two Dutch nationals—as well as the seizure of 800 marijuana plants.
Investigation and Surveillance
The investigation began in October 2024 when the Judicial Police Brigade of the Alcoy Police Station detected unusually high and fraudulent electricity consumption in an isolated country house in Millena. At the same time, the ROCA team from the Ibi division was investigating a group of Albanian nationals suspected of being linked to a criminal network involved in marijuana production.
Through collaboration between both police forces and the Ministry of the Interior’s Centre for Intelligence Against Terrorism and Organized Crime (CITCO), authorities established a link between the two cases. As a result, a joint investigative team was formed to confirm the criminal activities taking place.
Investigators discovered that the plantation was located inside a rented property, for which the suspects paid €18,000 annually in cash, split into two biannual payments. The individuals involved took extensive security precautions and frequently travelled between Spain and various European countries, including the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and France, making police surveillance more challenging.
Over four months, authorities gathered evidence directly linking the Albanian and Dutch suspects to the operation, some of whom had prior criminal records and outstanding prison sentences in Europe for drug-related offenses.
Operation and Arrests
On February 19, authorities launched the final phase of the operation. Guardia Civil and National Police officers, with support from the Public Safety Unit (USECIC) of Torrevieja, executed a raid on the property. During the search, officers seized 800 marijuana plants, three vehicles, and various items related to cannabis cultivation and processing.
During the operation, the two primary Albanian suspects, both 25 years old, attempted to escape by breaking through a drywall partition and fleeing through nearby fields. However, a police perimeter—reinforced with drone surveillance—allowed officers to intercept them despite significant resistance.
Later, a Dutch couple, a 25-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman, were also arrested—one near the plantation and the other at the Alcoy police station.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
The suspects were brought before the court, which ordered the two Albanian nationals to be held in custody, while the Dutch suspects were released under precautionary measures. Depending on their level of involvement, they face charges of drug trafficking, electricity fraud, resisting arrest, assaulting law enforcement officers, and membership in a criminal organization. The case is being handled by the Investigating Court No. 2 of the judicial district.
The investigation remains open, and additional arrests have not been ruled out. This operation marks a significant blow against organized crime in Alicante and highlights the continued collaboration between law enforcement agencies in the fight against drug trafficking.
