13 members of a criminal gang arrested in Puerto del Rosario

They are accused of belonging to a criminal group, drug trafficking, illegal detention, extortion, armed robbery, theft and receiving stolen goods.

National Police agents in Puerto del Rosario have dismantled a criminal organization allegedly dedicated to drug trafficking and the commission of various offenses against people and property.

The operation, carried out by the Narcotics Unit of the Local Brigade of the Puerto del Rosario police station, resulted in the arrest of thirteen individuals linked to the criminal structure.

The investigation culminated in simultaneous raids on two premises in the island’s capital, one of which was a garage converted into a dwelling, both used by the organization as logistical centers and drug‑selling points.

The detainees are charged, to varying degrees, with membership in a criminal group, drug trafficking, illegal detention, extortion and several property‑related crimes, including armed robbery, theft and receiving stolen goods.

Police work uncovered the gang’s modus operandi: exploiting drug users in extreme vulnerability to perform surveillance, transport substances and recruit customers.

Moreover, the individuals were allegedly forced to commit robberies and thefts to settle debts generated by their own drug consumption within the organization.

The criminal activity caused a rise in property crimes in the area, especially vehicle break‑ins, shop thefts and incidents in nearby industrial zones, sparking serious concern among residents who formally lodged complaints with the authorities.

During the investigation, agents documented cases of illegal detention and extortion tied to debt collection, in some instances escorting victims to banks and threatening them to withdraw cash.

In the two raids on the premises, authorities seized 33 g of cocaine and 30 g of crack prepared for distribution, €2,140 in cash, six precision scales, two baseball bats, transmission equipment, and various tools used for the preparation and handling of narcotics.

The operation was supported by the Puerto del Rosario Local Police, which carried out the administrative sealing of the locations used by the gang.

The thirteen arrested individuals were presented before the judicial authority on March 12‑13. The court ordered imprisonment for three of them on suspicion of involvement in illegal detention, while the remaining drug‑trafficking cases continue to proceed through the judicial system.