Two men have been arrested in Mula after the theft of nearly 10 tonnes of lemons from farms in the municipality.
The Guardia Civil, working with Mula Local Police, launched Operation Vernacho after several agricultural holdings were targeted in a series of weekend raids. The stolen lemons, of the valuable verna variety, are estimated to be worth around €10,000.
The investigation began in May, when officers were alerted to a number of break-ins at farms in the Mula area. According to investigators, the thieves struck during weekends and in broad daylight.
The suspects allegedly broke through perimeter fencing to enter the properties before loading the lemons into the boots of cars and vans.
Specialist Guardia Civil ROCA teams, which investigate thefts in rural areas, took charge of the case. Working alongside Mula Local Police, officers carried out inquiries and surveillance that helped identify vehicle registration plates believed to be linked to the robberies.
The operation has now led to the arrest of two Mula residents described by investigators as experienced offenders. Both men have previous police records for similar crimes and are being investigated on suspicion of burglary.
The Guardia Civil said the arrests form part of its ongoing efforts to combat rural crime and protect farmers from thefts that can cause serious financial losses.
The investigation remains open, and officers are continuing to determine whether the suspects may be connected to other agricultural thefts in the area.
