Network Trafficking Viral Weight Loss Drug Dismantled in Alicante

The National Police, in a joint operation with the Customs Surveillance of the Tax Agency, has dismantled a criminal organization dedicated to the illegal marketing of semaglutide, the viral weight loss drug, among other substances. One of the 'cells' within the network has been dismantled in Alicante, according to police sources.

The criminal network illegally accessed this drug, as well as anabolic steroids, hormones, or erectile dysfunction products, which they imported from third countries or obtained from healthcare centers and pharmacies. In some cases, they did so with the complicity of industry officials and without a prescription, before sending them to their closest clients, according to investigations.

The operation began in October last year after receiving information from the Munich Public Prosecutor's Office in Germany, warning of the possible shipment of a package to Spain, originating from a clandestine laboratory in the country, which would contain illegal drugs.

Investigators confirmed the involvement of several individuals who, from different parts of the national territory, appeared to have illicit suppliers of drugs while having numerous clients, and who collaborated in the illegal distribution of pharmaceuticals.

Once the members of the organization were identified and located, a total of 33 individuals were arrested in the provinces of Alicante, Madrid, Malaga, Barcelona, and Seville. Additionally, 24 raids and searches were conducted, three of them in the Alicante region, seizing more than 1,000 different drugs that would make up more than 300,000 doses of various compounds, representing a market value of over 2,000,000 euros, 300,000 euros in cash, four knives, an electric defense device, and 28 electronic devices. Also, 25 bank accounts used by the criminal organization for money laundering were seized.

Among the drugs allegedly marketed by those involved were various types of anabolic steroids, erectile dysfunction products, growth hormones, as well as fat-burning drugs. These products originated from different points abroad and were also fraudulently obtained in Spanish pharmacies, with at least four establishments collaborating from different parts of the country.

Investigations revealed that the organization shipped the drugs on demand through courier companies and also had the alleged direct collaboration of a nurse, registered in the province of Madrid, who went directly to clients' homes or sports centers where they trained to illicitly supply the drugs.

This individual also performed serum therapy treatments on demand, without proper medical supervision and without observing adequate hygienic conditions, which could cost over 300 euros per session.

The agents' investigations detected the existence of several 'cells' spread throughout the country that, within the criminal organization, carried out the tasks of introducing, storing, and selling the drugs fraudulently.

The arrested individuals are charged with crimes of belonging to a criminal organization, against public health, professional intrusion, and money laundering.