The National Police have broken up a highly active criminal group involved in drug trafficking using the method known as “telecoca” in Palma, arresting three women and one man and seizing various quantities of narcotics and up to four firearms.
Group II of the National Police’s Drugs and Organised Crime Unit (UDYCO) in Palma has concluded an investigation launched 10 months ago into an organisation involved in drug trafficking, which has been complicated by the security measures adopted by those under investigation, the Balearic Police Headquarters has reported in a statement.
Those under investigation took steps to avoid detection and to conceal the locations where the drugs were collected; they met with customers at locations that were difficult to monitor and access, and conducted the drug transactions very discreetly. Furthermore, officers stepped up security measures during the various operations, aware that the group might be armed and that one of the suspects was linked to a violent youth gang.
Despite the complications posed by the suspects, officers tightened the net and were able to identify the addresses and properties used for supply, as well as the meeting points with numerous buyers. During the investigation, the sale of narcotic substances and their link to those under investigation was confirmed.
As a result of the inquiries, investigators carried out a police operation last Monday, with the assistance of officers from the Provincial Public Safety Brigade, the Prevention and Reaction Unit and dog handlers. The police operation took place early in the morning, with four searches in Palma, in the neighbourhoods of La Soledad, El Rafal and Es Fortí, and a fourth at a property in Alcudia. On Tuesday, a fifth search was carried out at a storage unit and two car parks in Alcudia.
As a result of the searches, one man and three women have been arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and membership of a criminal organisation. Officers seized four firearms, two silencers, ammunition (43 rounds), a large machete and cash.
The seized narcotics included cocaine, crystal meth, ecstasy, MDMA, ketamine, cannabis, hashish and tusi, as well as scales and other equipment used for drug trafficking and a high-end car. At the time of the arrest, one of the women attempted to attack one of the officers, whom she threatened, and was therefore also arrested on suspicion of assault.