Menorca cocaine ring: 11 arrests, 6kg seized

Eleven people have been arrested and six kilos of cocaine seized after police dismantled a drug-trafficking ring run from Menorca. Raids at five properties in Ciutadella, Maó, Es Castell and Carcaixent, Valencia, took place simultaneously on 29 July. The National Police, Civil Guard and the Tax Agency’s Customs Surveillance Service say the ring’s leading figures have been remanded in custody.

Europa Press

Investigators began their inquiry after spotting more drug shipments to Menorca during the tourist season. They say the group took advantage of ferry traffic arriving from Barcelona, Valencia and Alcúdia, using the flow of passengers and vehicles to the island.

Cars altered to hide cocaine

Police say a man based in Ciutadella led the network, which brought cocaine from mainland Spain, mainly Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. The group used cars of the same make and year, adapting them with hidden compartments known in police jargon as caletas beneath seats or inside dashboards.

In May, officers found about two kilos of cocaine hidden in a car seat at the port of Ciutadella and arrested its occupant. Around 3.5 kilos were found in two hydraulic compartments at the port of Barcelona in mid-July, leading to another arrest.

Police say the group then tried to rebuild its supply operation and arranged further trips to mainland Spain.

Cash, phones and altered vehicles seized

The searches uncovered nearly 1,000 grams of cocaine ready for distribution, along with vacuum-packing machines, bags and dosing tools. Officers also seized about €9,000 in cash, mobile phones, notebooks containing alleged records of the illegal activity and five altered vehicles.

In all, investigators seized seven vehicles, three fitted with a hidden compartment. The National Police say the operation has shut down Menorca’s main maritime route for cocaine imports.

Menorca cocaine ring: 11 arrested and 6kg seized

Cars altered to hide cocaine

Cash, phones and altered vehicles seized