Arrest of Alleged Drug Kingpin ‘Don Carlos’ in Marbella
In a dramatic turn of events, Spanish police have arrested the alleged drug kingpin known as ‘Don Carlos’. The arrest took place in a Marbella coffee shop, catching the accused off guard. The accused, Florentino Fernandez, is believed to have been involved in drug smuggling operations in Colombia for the past three decades. The arrest was made while Fernandez was enjoying a cup of coffee at a local bar in Marbella, a city on the Costa del Sol.
Link to Colombian Cartels and Cocaine Haul
Fernandez, who has been linked to the notorious Colombian Cali and Medellin cartels, was apprehended following the discovery of a 60kg cocaine stash hidden inside flower boxes. The Policia Nacional, in collaboration with Colombian authorities, traced the Class A drugs concealed among bouquets from Colombia. The drugs were found in a container on the outskirts of Seville, leading to the arrest of two individuals at the scene.
Unraveling a Complex Drug Network
The arrest of Fernandez led to the exposure of a complex drug network. It is believed that ‘Don Carlos’ was in the process of transferring the drug load to its final buyers. The police suspect that the influential Spanish drug trafficker had brought the cocaine from Colombia for sale in Malaga. A search of his residence led to the discovery of €200,000 and a revolver.
Long History of Drug Trafficking and Criminal Activities
Fernandez, a native of Asturias in northern Spain, has been known for his connections to high-ranking members of the Medellin and Cali cartels. He has spent several years in Colombia and Venezuela and was once registered as living at the Madrid home of Gilberto Orejuela, a founder of the Cali cartel. In 1998, he was sentenced to 24 years in prison for leading an organization that kidnapped two women over a drug trafficking debt. Despite his incarceration, he returned to drug smuggling upon his release. He has also been investigated for his connections to ETA, the Basque separatist group.
Recent Developments Leading to Arrest
In late 2020, police received information that Fernandez was planning to import large quantities of cocaine from South America. This led to an 18-month operation culminating in his arrest. The police intend to freeze property valued at €350,000, as well as the bank accounts of three individuals and six companies linked to Fernandez.
