Dismantled in Alicante a criminal organization that introduced methamphetamine hidden in marble blocks
The agents have arrested five people and have intervened 752 kilos of methamphetamine in its purest form, in which it is the largest seizure carried out so far
The organization – which introduced methamphetamine from Mexico, to later sell it throughout Europe – concealed the illegal activity through fictitious mercantile mining and marble import / export
The narcotic substance was hidden in marble blocks by means of a new and undetectable system, consisting of the creation of cylindrical cavities in which the PVC containers containing the drug were housed
In a joint operation of the Civil Guard, the National Police and the Tax Agency, a criminal organization that introduced hidden methamphetamine into marble blocks has been broken up in Alicante. The agents have arrested five people and have intervened 752 kilos of methamphetamine in its purest form, in which it is the largest seizure carried out so far. The organization concealed the illicit activity through the use of fictitious mercantile mining and import / export of marble. The narcotic substance was hidden in marble blocks by a novel and undetectable system, consisting of the creation of cylindrical cavities in which the PVC containers containing the drug were housed.
After several investigations of the mercantile, as well as the people responsible for it, the agents proved that the business gathered all the indications that characterize a screen company, and that it could be used to introduce narcotic substances in our country. In addition, as a result of the police exchange of information, they found that one of those investigated was also by the Civil Guard of Alicante; reason why, from that moment, it was agreed to continue the investigations together.
352 kilos of methamphetamine hidden in a marble block
In mid-October, four maritime containers with six large blocks of marble arrived inside the Port of Valencia. The researchers, who followed their trail to the town of Novelda (Alicante), determined that one of these blocks had strange marks at its base that were not compatible with a compact marble block. Days later, the agents noticed how the organization moved the referred block to a quarry in the Alicante town of La Romana where it was buried under a large number of stones and other debris from the quarry.
Finally, the agents made a device that arrested five people, searched six buildings, and seized 352 kilos of methamphetamine hidden inside the marble block investigated.
Novel and undetectable concealment system
To avoid the detection of the drug, the investigators had practiced several drills, or cylindrical cavities, in which 43 PVC containers containing the narcotic substance were hidden. Once the PVC cylinders were introduced into the cavities – an operation that was carried out in Mexico – they were sealed with resin, a marble plug and, finally, compacted with very hard mortar. In this way, they managed to simulate the surface of the marble block, although said face of the block was left at the base of the block to prevent its inspection, given its weight of 25 tons.
400 kilos of methamphetamine hidden in another block of marble
Shortly thereafter, Customs Surveillance officials located a new series of five containers, imported by the investigated merchant, who had arrived at the Port of Valencia. After inspecting the eight marble blocks they contained, they appreciated that one of them had the same characteristics as the one described above, which is why it was reviewed, locating another 32 cylinders of PVC containing 400 kilos of methamphetamine hidden by the same system.
Fruit of the domiciliary registries practiced, the agents intervened 150,000 euros in cash, five firearms, numerous telephone terminals and abundant documentation. They also blocked 19 properties, 14 vehicles and 7 bank accounts. On the other hand, a total of 26 marble blocks imported by the investigated merchant, which were not contaminated, were also intervened.
High professionalism and specialization of its members
The investigation has revealed the specialization in the criminal activity of the detainees, as well as the strong logistical and commercial structure of the organization. On the one hand, the agents highlight the specialization in the method of concealment of the narcotic substance, for which it was necessary to have personnel specialized in the work of marble, both in its origin (Mexico), and in its destination (Spain); as well as the use of specific machinery for the work of marble and heavy machinery. On the other, they highlight the specialization of the members of the organization with regard to the fictitious business framework created as well as, in some cases, their perfect knowledge of international maritime trade, its peculiarities and customs control systems.
