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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.

🌴 What's On Across the Costa Blanca

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 6–12 July 2026

The Costa Blanca is in full summer swing, with another busy week of sunshine, festivals, sporting events and family entertainment across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.

With schools now breaking up across Europe and visitor numbers increasing, beaches, attractions, markets and nightlife are all operating at peak season.

☀️ Benidorm

Beaches & Summer Fun

Benidorm's Blue Flag beaches continue to welcome thousands of visitors each day with full summer services.

Activities include:

Parasailing and jet ski adventures
Boat trips to Benidorm Island
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Beach volleyball
Open-air fitness classes
Family beach activities

New Attraction

Visitors can now take photos at Benidorm's brand-new giant seafront letters, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets, located on the Tamarindos Promenade.

Costa Blanca Cup 2026

The international youth football tournament continues across Benidorm and the Marina Baixa, bringing together:

319 teams
34 countries
Thousands of players, coaches and supporters
Matches are being played throughout the week in Benidorm, Altea, La Vila Joiosa, La Nucía, Finestrat, L'Alfàs del Pi and Calpe.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live tribute shows every evening
Comedy, cabaret and karaoke
Beach clubs and rooftop bars
Live DJs along Levante and Poniente
Sunset boat parties
Summer club nights

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Award-Winning Nature

The Albir Lighthouse Trail, recently named Spain's Best Blue Trail 2026, remains one of the Costa Blanca's most popular walks.

Visitors can enjoy spectacular views across the Serra Gelada Natural Park.

Things To Do

Guided nature walks
Cycling routes
Outdoor fitness
Beachfront restaurants
Evening live music
International community events

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa continues to attract visitors with its colourful seafront and historic centre.

Popular attractions include:

Chocolate museum visits
Factory tours
Artisan markets
Historic Old Town walks
Beachfront restaurants
Live music
Summer gastronomy events continue throughout July.

🏟️ La Nucía

Sports & Family Activities

The Camilo Cano Sports City remains busy with:
National and international training camps
Community fitness programmes
Youth sporting events
Outdoor exercise sessions

Family activities

Local summer cultural events and evening entertainment continue throughout the municipality.

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

The warm weather makes Finestrat one of the area's top destinations for outdoor activities.

Popular choices include:
Hiking Puig Campana
Guided countryside walks
Scenic village tours
Mountain biking
La Cala beach days
Shopping & Dining
La Marina Shopping Centre summer promotions
Beachfront restaurants
Evening shopping
Outdoor terraces

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its lively summer programme with:
Artisan markets
Art galleries
Live jazz
Acoustic concerts
Cultural events around Plaza de la Iglesia

New This Week

Altea has launched a special summer police operation, increasing patrols across beaches, the Old Town and tourist areas to help keep residents and visitors safe throughout the busy holiday season.

Coastal Experiences
Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Seafront dining
Photography workshops

📅 Coming Up

Costa Blanca Cup finals approach
Outdoor concerts continue across the Marina Baixa
More beach entertainment throughout July
Summer fiestas gathering momentum
Markets, family activities and evening events across the region
Tourist attractions operating extended opening hours

Quick Summary

⚽ Costa Blanca Cup continues across the region

📸 New giant Benidorm letters now open on Tamarindos Promenade

🏖️ Beaches, water sports and boat trips in full swing

🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail remains Spain's Best Blue Trail

🍫 Villajoyosa's heritage attractions continue to draw visitors

👮 Altea launches enhanced summer police patrols

🎶 Live music, nightlife and outdoor dining across the Costa Blanca

☀️ Peak summer holiday season is now underway

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Expect another week of hot, settled weather.

🌡️ Daytime temperatures: 30°C–34°C

🌙 Evening temperatures: 23°C–26°C

Perfect conditions for beach days, sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening entertainment. Remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.