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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 This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Overview

This week across Benidorm, Altea, Albir, Finestrat, and La Nucía is mainly:

Weekly markets and street trading

Live music in bars and small venues

Early spring coastal tourism activity (boat trips, promenades)

Small cultural events and exhibitions

Gradual build-up toward May festivals in Benidorm

BENIDORM – Events and Activity

Markets and street life

Wednesday and Sunday main street markets (large general markets for clothing, food, and goods)
Old Town craft stalls operating in the evenings
Night markets becoming more active as tourist season builds

Cultural activity

Early preparations and signage for the Medieval Market coming soon in central Benidorm
Small pop-up performances in Old Town squares (musicians, street entertainment)

Nightlife and entertainment

Live music every night across the main strips (cover bands, tribute acts, karaoke)
DJ sets and bar entertainment increasing toward peak season
Rooftop bars and terrace venues reopening more consistently

Overall feel

Benidorm is in an active pre-summer phase with strong nightlife and steady tourist flow.

ALTEA – Cultural and coastal atmosphere

Old Town and culture
Art galleries and artisan shops open daily
Small exhibitions and cultural displays in local venues

Live music

Acoustic and low-key live music in bars around Old Town and seafront areas
Occasional weekend performances in Irish and cocktail bars

Sea activities

Boat trips operating from Altea harbour including:
Coastal cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Swimming stops depending on weather conditions

Overall feel

Quiet, scenic, and cultural with a strong focus on relaxation rather than nightlife.

ALBIR / ALFÀS DEL PI – Mixed expat and local activity

Markets

Friday weekly street market with food, clothing, and household goods
Nearby Sunday markets in Altea also attract visitors from the area

Live music

Regular pub and bar entertainment, especially in Irish and rock-themed venues
Weekly live bands and acoustic performances across multiple venues

Cultural venues

Casa de Cultura hosting small theatre events, exhibitions, and community activities
Regular local group meetings and social clubs

Overall feel

Balanced area with both relaxed daytime atmosphere and active evenings.

LA NUCÍA – Local and sporting focus

Markets

Sunday rastro (large flea market with antiques, tools, clothes, and food stalls)
Entertainment
Occasional live music in local bars, mostly weekends

Sports activity

Large sports complex hosting training camps, tournaments, and weekend events

Overall feel

Quiet residential town with activity concentrated around weekends and sports events.

FINESTRAT – Beach and market lifestyle

Markets

Tuesday and Saturday markets in La Cala area with a mix of local produce and goods

Beachfront activity

Beach bars and restaurants increasingly open in the evenings
Sunset dining season beginning again

Entertainment

Low-key live music in beachfront bars rather than organised events

Overall feel

Relaxed coastal town focused on beach life and casual evenings.

OVERALL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest area with nightlife, markets, and entertainment

Altea: cultural, scenic, and relaxed

Albir / Alfàs del Pi: balanced mix of live music and expat social life

La Nucía: local, quiet, and sports-focused

Finestrat: beach-oriented and low-key

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

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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