PROPERTY SEARCH
British nationals among 17 arrested as Guardia Civil shuts down cannabis clubs in Vega Baja
Seventeen arrested and six clubs closed in Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Guardamar del Segura, and Rojales after year-long investigation
Six cannabis clubs in the Vega Baja area have been closed and 17 people arrested following a major investigation by the Guardia Civil into what authorities say was a drug trafficking operation posing as legal cannabis associations.The year-long operation, known as Ácido-23, focused on premises in Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Guardamar del Segura and Rojales. It began back in March 2023 after concerns were raised by the Special Anti-Drug Prosecutor's Office about a newly opened association. That triggered a deeper look into a network of similar clubs in the region.
According to the Guardia Civil, there had been a noticeable rise in reports of drug use and possession in the area, particularly involving foreign nationals. This led to months of fieldwork and surveillance by officers in Torrevieja and surrounding towns.
Between November 2024 and March 2025, eight coordinated raids were carried out across the four towns. Officers seized nearly 10 kilos of marijuana, as well as cannabis derivatives including hashish, oils, and syringes filled with liquid extract. They also found 767 pre-rolled joints, multiple cultivation plants, and a small illegal lab believed to have been used for making cannabis-infused sweets. Just over €4,200 in cash was also confiscated.
In total, 17 people were arrested; 11 men and 6 women aged between 26 and 69. They come from a mix of nationalities including Spanish, British, Colombian, Russian and Finnish. All were brought before the local Investigative Court and released with precautionary conditions while the case progresses.The judge overseeing the case has ordered the six clubs to remain closed for five years, stating that they were not operating for altruistic or social purposes, as the law requires. Instead, they were found to be part of a commercial operation designed to sell cannabis for profit.
The Guardia Civil says the action is an important step in tackling illegal drug distribution in the region, particularly where organisations attempt to exploit legal grey areas under the cover of cannabis associations.
Images: Guardia Civil
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