Agents of the National Police, the Civil Guard, and the Deputy Directorate of Customs Surveillance (DAVA) of the Canary Islands have carried out a joint operation within the framework of Operation "BABAYAGA," which has resulted in the arrest of ten people and the seizure of approximately 400 kilograms of hashish in the vicinity of the fishing port of Castillo del Romeral, in Gran Canaria.
The investigation began at the beginning of July, after the different police forces and intervening agencies detected coinciding information about the use of this coastal area as a point of entry for narcotic substances intended for subsequent distribution in the archipelago or for transport to the Peninsula.
The information was initially analyzed independently by the different specialized groups. Following the corresponding contacts and coordination mechanisms, and given the significance of the evidence obtained, it was agreed to establish a joint and coordinated operation with the aim of identifying and dismantling the organizations involved and preventing the introduction of new drug shipments.
Within the framework of the investigations, agents became aware that one of the organizations allegedly using the coast of Castillo del Romeral to introduce narcotic substances was preparing a new landing during the week of August 10th. Based on this information, a police operation was established, which allowed for the detection, during the night of August 11th, of unusual activity in the vicinity of the fishing port, as well as the presence of several vehicles and individuals allegedly involved in receiving the shipment.
Around 11:50 PM, agents detected the arrival of a semi-rigid boat at the pier. After reaching land, several individuals began unloading bales from the boat and transferring them into one of the vehicles present at the scene. At that moment, the intervening forces intervened, securing the area and arresting several members of the organization allegedly involved in the unloading.
During the intervention, several detonations occurred by some members of the organization, to which the agents responded by firing several warning shots and repeatedly stating their status as members of the security forces. After these events, several of those involved laid down their arms and others tried to flee the scene, with 10 people finally being arrested. The operation led to the seizure of approximately 400 kilograms of hashish, preventing the introduction and subsequent distribution of the drug shipment in the territory.
Operation “BABAYAGA” constitutes a joint operation coordinated by the Organized Crime and Drug Unit (UDYCO) of the National Police, the Organized Crime and Drug Teams (EDOA) of the Civil Guard, and the Deputy Directorate of Customs Surveillance (DAVA) Canarias, resulting from the coordination of information obtained by the different agencies on the activity of organizations dedicated to drug trafficking in this area of Gran Canaria.
One of the objectives of the operation is to combat the use of the Castillo del Romeral area as an entry point for narcotic substances and the activity of criminal organizations linked to drug trafficking.
Citizen Collaboration
The National Police, in its commitment to the fight against organized crime, continues to work to dismantle any type of illegal drug distribution. If there is knowledge, indication, or suspicion of activities that could be related to this type of crime, citizens can report it through the email antidroga@policía.es
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