Drugs Among Sweets and Exploited Workers: The Irregularities of a Grocery Store in Elche

It appeared to be just another grocery store in Elche, but in reality, it concealed a business that exploited workers without contracts and sold narcotics hidden among sweets. The National Police have dismantled the premises and arrested two women and a man accused of belonging to a criminal group, offences against workers' rights, and public health violations.

The investigation began following information pointing to two establishments where people were working without contracts and in irregular situations. According to the complaint, some workers were paid five euros an hour, with night and weekend shifts, and faced difficulties receiving their wages. There were also reports that a third location owned by the same proprietors might be selling narcotics, according to investigation sources.

With the gathered data, the agents identified the responsible parties, a man and a woman, aged 45 and 32, both Spanish. During the investigation, it was confirmed that in the first two locations, no workers were registered with Social Security, the same sources added.

The inquiries led investigators to focus on a third establishment, still operating under the suspects' management. Officers inspected the premises, where a 26-year-old Spanish woman, who had no prior records, was arrested, and 120 bags of marijuana and 25 bags of hashish were seized. Part of the merchandise was displayed in the store at the time of inspection, alongside other sweet and food products, as if they were another type of sweets.

The report notes that the store's managers supplied the business with narcotics using fraudulent labeling. To avoid suspicion, the drugs were presented with regulatory references unrelated to such substances, like automotive product regulations (diesel and gasoline), giving the appearance of a legal trade.

Finally, the two owners were arrested in Elche. Both had prior records for similar incidents and other previous offences. The three detainees are being investigated for belonging to a criminal group, offences against workers' rights, and public health violations. All actions have been reported to the Elche Magistrate's Court, which will determine the appropriate judicial measures.

The National Police emphasize the importance of reporting any situation of labour exploitation or illicit activity. It is crucial for citizens to be alert to establishments operating outside the law and violating workers' rights. They also advise job seekers to verify that their working conditions comply with current regulations, always demanding "a legal contract and reporting any irregularities."

Regarding the illegal sale of narcotics, the police clarify that citizen collaboration is essential to detect and eradicate these distribution points that can affect public safety and health. To facilitate the reporting of such crimes, the force provides anonymous and confidential communication channels, ensuring the informant's identity will not be disclosed.

Anyone with information about labour exploitation or drug trafficking offences can report it via the emergency phone number 091 or through the official website www.policia.es, among others.