Five arrested with 21.5 kilos of cocaine in a car in Lanzarote
The National Police have arrested five people in Lanzarote aged between 55 and 58, following the discovery of 21.5 kilos of cocaine hidden inside a car in Costa Teguise, with an estimated street value exceeding €750,000.
The suspects are believed to be involved in drug trafficking and membership of a criminal organisation, according to a police statement.
Police investigation began near local school
The operation was led by the Judicial Police’s drugs unit and began in September 2025, just before the start of the school term. Investigators were alerted, thanks to cooperation from a local school, after a campervan was found parked within its grounds, allegedly being used to store illegal substances.
During an initial raid, officers arrested two individuals linked to the vehicle and seized 20 kilos of cocaine. A further search of one suspect’s home uncovered more than €115,000 in cash.
Network uncovered across islands
Police then focused on identifying other members of the network. Their enquiries revealed the involvement of a man living on another island, who had been in contact with those already arrested regarding the drug shipment.
Officers also observed several movements and meetings involving another individual with a previous record for drug offences, strengthening suspicions of a wider organised operation.
Police pursuit leads to further arrests
On 18th April, surveillance teams tracked the suspects to a property in the municipality of Haría. There, one of the individuals collected a large package and placed it into a vehicle.
Police attempted to stop the car as it entered Costa Teguise, but the driver refused to pull over, triggering a pursuit that ended on a public road where the vehicle was finally intercepted.
Inside the vehicle, officers discovered 40 packages containing cocaine, weighing a total of 21.5 kilos. Two more suspects were arrested at the scene.
A subsequent search of the property linked to the investigation led to the arrest of the remaining members of the group, effectively dismantling the criminal organisation.
All five suspects have now appeared before the courts, with the alleged ringleader remanded in custody.
