The National Police have dismantled a criminal organization dedicated to drug trafficking in Gran Canaria after a year of investigation. Seven people have been arrested, including an officer from the Local Police of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and more than 300 kilos of hashish, cocaine, weapons, and money have been seized.
The Operation Tijuana, carried out by the Central UDYCO and the UDYCO of Las Palmas, has culminated in the arrest of seven individuals and the seizure of over 300 kilograms of hashish in Gran Canaria. Among those arrested is an officer from the Local Police of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, according to sources from the investigation.
A perfectly structured organization
The network, allegedly led by a well-known police target nicknamed “JUKE”, had been under investigation for years due to its ability to introduce and distribute large quantities of hashish and cocaine in the Canary Islands. Investigators place the group in the context of other significant drug traffickers already arrested, with connections to the so-called Balkan Cartel.
The organization used a rental van to transport the drugs, aiming to make their location more difficult. Following this distribution operation, agents carried out six searches in properties and premises in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Ingenio, and San Bartolomé de Tirajana.
A significant blow to drug trafficking in the archipelago
During the searches, agents seized, in addition to the hashish, two kilograms of cocaine, two handguns, 55,000 euros in cash, eight vehicles, a semi-rigid boat, numerous mobile phones, and documentation related to the criminal activity. The investigation remains open under the direction of the competent judicial authority, and further actions are not ruled out.
The National Police has emphasized that it will continue to intensify the fight against organizations that use the Canary Islands as a strategic enclave for the storage and distribution of narcotic substances. For the residents of the affected municipalities, this operation brings relief, as the network operated in residential and commercial areas, generating insecurity.
Background and context of the operation
Operation Tijuana began a year ago after detecting suspicious movements of vehicles and individuals linked to drug trafficking. Investigators managed to identify the members of the organization and their modus operandi, which included the use of semi-rigid boats for drug transport between islands. The arrest of the local police officer has caused shock within the force, which is collaborating with the investigation.
Once the police proceedings are concluded, the detainees will be brought before the judicial authority. More details are expected in the coming days regarding each individual's involvement and possible connections with other criminal organizations.
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