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Date Published: 04/04/2024

Irishman held in connection with large-scale cannabis smuggling operation in Alicante

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The drug trafficker was dramatically arrested by a swarm of armed police in the town of Rojales

Irishman held in connection with large-scale cannabis smuggling operation in Alicante

Spanish police have arrested an Irish national accused of being a "dedicated drug trafficker" in connection with a large-scale cannabis smuggling operation. The 36-year-old was taken into custody in the town of Rojales in Alicante province in February.

According to reports, the Irishman was part of a British-led criminal organisation that had been shipping massive quantities of cannabis, worth hundreds of thousands of euros, from Spain to Ireland. The group was believed to have used various methods to evade detection, including using false identities and concealing the drugs within legitimate shipments.

The Guardia Civil, who led the investigation, said that the Irishman was a driver for the crew and that they had been monitoring his movements for some time. He was eventually apprehended while walking across a zebra crossing in Rojales, where he was dramatically surrounded by armed officers.

"From the analysis of cameras located on roads and other evidence, the agents of the Pilar de la Horadada Guardia Civil managed to discover that the suspect they were pursuing was a 36-year-old man of Irish nationality," Spanish media reported.

"The latter was finally located in an establishment in the town of Rojales, very close to Torrevieja."

When questioned, the Irishman admitted to his involvement in the drug trafficking operation and provided information about the gang's activities. He also faces charges related to document forgery.

The arrest comes months after three British men and a Romanian woman were detained in connection with the same investigation. Two kilos of cannabis were found in two packages at Madrid Airport, which were traced back to the gang.

The suspected leader of the group was identified after a delivery was intercepted at the airport, leading to a high-speed chase that ended in the abandonment of a vehicle containing 54 kilos of cannabis.

Operation Topila, as the investigation was dubbed, resulted in the seizure of more than 60 kilos of marijuana buds, a firearm, cash, weighing scales and mobile phones. The suspects are currently facing trial, with the Irishman recently released on bail under strict conditions.

In other news: Overflowing rubbish bins lead to rat infestation in Orihuela Costa

Image: Guardia Civil

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