The Civil Guard has carried out an operation in the South of Tenerife that has resulted in the arrest of six people and the investigation of another six, for their links to a criminal organisation dedicated to the illegal importation, storage and distribution of nitrous oxide, also known as "laughing gas". This operation has been described as the second largest seizure of nitrous oxide in Europe.
Background and police operation
The investigation, named "Centro", began after detecting the consumption of nitrous oxide in various leisure areas in the south of the island. As inquiries progressed, a hierarchical criminal structure was identified with a family core responsible for the logistics and receipt of goods imported from abroad, as well as their final distribution on the island.
Seizures and discoveries during the searches
During the four simultaneous searches carried out in the municipalities of Arona, Adeje and Granadilla de Abona, the Civil Guard seized a total of 10,394 containers of nitrous oxide, weighing approximately 13,000 kilograms. Additionally, 63,500 euros and 1,000 British pounds in cash were found, as well as various narcotic substances including 213 grams of cocaine, 599 grams of hashish, 1.4 kg of marijuana and 46 grams of "Tusi", a mixture of different psychoactive substances.
In addition to the drugs, authorities confiscated five imitation firearms and eight bladed weapons, as well as electronic devices and a large amount of documentation linked to the organisation's illegal activities.
The investigation has been coordinated by the Investigation Area of the Main Post of Playa de las Américas and is being conducted under the supervision of the Arona Court of First Instance and the Arona Anti-Drug Prosecutor's Office. Authorities have indicated that the investigation remains open and further arrests are not ruled out in the future.
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