Mossos d'Esquadra of the Arenys de Mar Investigation Unit (Maresme) arrested, on April 17, four men aged 68, 32, 29 and 27 years and three women aged 43, 35 and 32 respectively, related to a crime against public health and membership in a criminal group. The oldest detainee was a former corporal of the Calella Local Police, who was arrested along with his 29-year-old son.
The investigation began following a sale transaction of about 300 marijuana plants on October 5, 2023 in Palafolls where a man was arrested for a crime against public health. From that moment on, the investigators began to take steps and made another five arrests until they obtained all the information about a possible criminal group dedicated to drug trafficking continuously over time in the Maresme area.
On April 17, four simultaneous entries and investigations were carried out at homes in Tordera, Santa Susana and Pineda de Mar, related to the criminal group and the main person under investigation. Seven alleged leaders of the group were arrested and, in addition, the search found more than 13 kg of marijuana, about 1,800 grams of hashish, more than 250 grams of amphetamine, about 400 grams of ketamine, almost 450 grams of methamphetamine and about 800 grams of cocaine, in addition to about 1,300 marijuana plants and 5 vehicles used by criminals in their actions.
The substances were prepared in small doses to be supplied on the market. The value of the drugs seized from the criminal group has a total value of more than approximately 200,000 euros.
On the other hand, at Tordera's home, after arresting those responsible, an alligator (Caiman Crocodilus) was found for which no one took responsibility. The Environment Unit of the Mossos collected the reptile and transferred it to a specialized center. It should be remembered that these animals are considered dangerous due to their aggressive behavior and, therefore, their possession is strictly regulated by regulations: it is necessary to have authorization from different administrations, as well as facilities that guarantee their well-being and the impossibility of escape.
The investigation remains open and investigators do not rule out that there may be more arrests in the coming days. The agents blame the seven detainees for participating in a crime against public health in its drug trafficking aspect, a crime of electricity fraud and membership in a criminal group.
