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Major Police Operation in Benidorm: 80 Arrested in Crackdown on Drug Trafficking

 

Benidorm / 5 May 2026

 

A major joint operation led by the National Police and Benidorm Local Police has resulted in the arrest of 80 people in Benidorm as part of a large-scale crackdown on drug trafficking in nightlife venues.

 

What’s been confirmed

• Police targeted multiple pubs and clubs in the “English Zone” (the main nightlife strip around Calle Gerona / Rincón de Loix)
• Between 5 and 7 venues were inspected as part of the operation
• The businesses were linked to two main ownership groups, but their names have not been made public

 

Organised network operating inside nightlife venues

Investigators uncovered a well-structured criminal network distributing drugs on a retail level across at least seven leisure establishments in one of Benidorm’s busiest nightlife areas.

 

Among those arrested are:

• Two brothers who managed several of the venues
• Two additional brothers responsible for security and public relations operations

 

The group allegedly coordinated drug sales inside venues, with some staff members—including waiters—directing customers to points of sale within the premises.

 

 

Surveillance tactics and police evasion

The network used organised counter-surveillance methods:

• Individuals monitored police movements in the area
• Officers were assigned nicknames depending on their unit or whether they were in plain clothes
• Communication was maintained using walkie-talkies to warn others and temporarily halt illegal activity

 

Authorities seized:

• Over €32,000 in cash
• Around 40 walkie-talkies
• Mobile phones and drug concealment devices
• Substances including cocaine, ecstasy, marijuana, and cutting agents
• Weapons such as pepper spray and brass knuckles

 

Violence and intimidation

The investigation also revealed a pattern of violence linked to the venues:

• Multiple incidents of fights and public disorder
• Seizure of knives, machetes, and blunt weapons
• Reports of coercion and harassment against local police officers during inspections

 

One of the most serious incidents involved coordinated intimidation of officers, allegedly directed by individuals linked to venue security operations.

 

 

Large-scale coordinated raids

The operation was carried out over two nights with a significant police deployment involving:

• Citizen Security units
• Judicial Police
• Immigration units
• Regional and local police support

 

Key results:

• 53 arrests on the first night
• 24 arrests on the second night
• Additional arrests of key suspects in the following days
• Safety violations uncovered

 

Authorities also identified multiple administrative breaches in the venues, including:

• Overcrowding
• Lack of proper insurance
• Failure to comply with safety and evacuation regulations
• Discriminatory admission practices
• Sale of tobacco to minors

 

Six sanctioning proceedings have been initiated as a result.

 

Ongoing investigation

Those arrested, aged between 18 and 82, have been released pending court proceedings, with cases forwarded to the Benidorm court.

 

Police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and at least one key suspect remains at large.

 

Wider context

This operation forms part of a broader effort across Spain’s tourist areas to tackle drug distribution in nightlife areas, particularly in high-traffic destinations like Benidorm where seasonal demand can fuel organised criminal activity.