The suspects appeared for several hours by videoconference from Alicante before the magistrate of the National Court investigating the case.

Image of the façade of the building where the house searched in El Campello is located.

J. A. Martinez 12 September 2025 – 20:01

The magistrate of the National Court investigating an alleged conspiracy involving money laundering and marijuana trafficking from Alicante to Eastern European countries has ordered pre-trial detention for nine detainees, according to judicial sources.

The suspects appeared via videoconference from the Palace of Justice in Alicante before the court in Madrid. The interrogation lasted several hours, extending into Friday afternoon. The investigation is being handled by the Central Court of Instruction number six of the National Court.

Police operation

As previously reported by Información Alicante, agents from the National Police’s Organized Crime Response Unit (Greco) Levante carried out a major operation this week targeting money laundering networks linked to marijuana trafficking.

Police conducted simultaneous searches on Wednesday across the province, including at least three locations in El Campello, Crevillent and El Bacarot.

The case had been under judicial secrecy, although sources indicated that this could have been lifted during the morning.

Search in El Campello

The search in El Campello caused significant concern among residents, as it took place just a few meters from the seaside promenade.

Officers arrived at around six in the morning heavily armed and wearing hoods, creating confusion among neighbors.

The operation lasted several hours, with police remaining at the property until midday.

Although only small amounts of marijuana buds were found, investigators seized a large volume of documentation that could be key to linking the suspects to ongoing money laundering activities.

Arrests

A couple from Eastern Europe was arrested at the property. According to neighbors, they appeared to have a high standard of living, and some sources suggest the group may be of Bosnian origin.

The suspects were detained as they arrived at the house, where officers had been waiting. They were taken away in handcuffs, while two minors living with them were transferred to police facilities due to the absence of adults to care for them.

Investigation focused on money laundering

According to sources, the investigation by Greco focuses on a large-scale marijuana trafficking network operating in the province of Alicante.

However, the primary objective was not to locate large drug shipments or plantations, but rather to dismantle the financial structures used to launder profits from drug sales.

For this reason, the searches were mainly aimed at seizing documentation rather than large quantities of drugs.

Why Alicante

The choice of location is not accidental. Alicante offers highly favorable conditions for intensive cannabis cultivation, including abundant sunshine, mild temperatures, long summers, and relatively warm winters.

These conditions allow for multiple outdoor growing cycles and reduce energy costs for indoor cultivation.

Additionally, the presence of semi-abandoned urban developments, vacant villas, and unused industrial buildings provides discreet spaces for setting up plantations without raising suspicion.

In contrast, in destination countries, cannabis cultivation is more difficult due to less favorable weather conditions.