A Shop in Altea Used for Money Laundering from Drug Trafficking

The owner of a home textile shop in Altea allegedly used the premises to launder money from drug trafficking, selling it near his home, used as a 'nursery'. The National Police dismantled the drug sales hotspot and arrested three individuals, the shop manager and two buyers.

The investigation began following information obtained by the Police, who detected suspicious activity related to cocaine trafficking. The main suspect, a man running a textile shop, might have used the premises as a front to justify illicit income from drug sales.

The shop was not the main cocaine sales point, as transactions mainly occurred near the suspect's home, operating in a known and controlled environment, according to investigation sources.

During the proceedings, investigators discovered that the detainee used both his home and additional premises as a 'nursery' for substances, where he stored cocaine, dosing tools, and money from sales. The distribution circle consisted of trusted individuals, and deliveries were made with security measures to avoid police detection.

In the operation's exploitation phase, the National Police intervened at both the suspect's home and the textile establishment. At the residence, they seized 5,050 euros in cash, 410 grams of cocaine, as well as precision scales and drug packaging material.

The inspection of the shop, also conducted by agents of the Police Assigned to the Valencian Community, evidenced the use of the business to launder profits from substance trafficking. They found 410 euros in cash and sheets with handwritten notes detailing large sums of money, reinforcing the money laundering hypothesis.

The shop also operated without an opening license and without meeting minimum safety standards. The employee there did not have a labor contract, which constituted another infraction discovered during the inspection. The shop, more than a sales point, functioned as a mechanism to cover the suspect's true income sources, presenting an appearance of legality.

The National Police also verified that the detainee used three vehicles for his operations, none of them in his name. Two of these were seized as they were related to the crime. Thus, the suspect attempted to divert police attention to avoid being discovered.

During the operation, the Police arrested the main suspect in Altea, who was carrying more than 3,500 euros in cash. Additionally, two buyers, aged 39 and 45, were arrested, to whom the main suspect had supplied more than 10 grams of cocaine each for distribution. In total, the operation resulted in the seizure of 431 grams of cocaine and 9,050 euros in cash.

The three detainees, all Spanish nationals and two with criminal records for other offenses, have been brought before the Guard Court of Instruction in Benidorm. They are being investigated as the alleged perpetrators of a drug trafficking offense.

The National Police reminds citizens of the importance of collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking and other crimes affecting the safety of our communities. Anonymous reports are a fundamental tool for this type of crime, allowing for quick and effective action.

Anyone with information about criminal activities can do so anonymously and confidentially through the official National Police website at https://www.policia.es, in the "Collaborate" section. Additionally, formal complaints can be made both online and at physical National Police stations, always ensuring the protection of the complainant's identity.