Crackdown on Organised Crime: Ten Arrests in Marbella
In a significant blow to organised crime in Marbella, ten individuals have been apprehended by the National Police officers on the Costa del Sol within a span of one month. The arrests, made between 11 April and 10 May, included four for crimes against public health, three under European Arrest Warrants (EAW), and three for judicial complaints, as announced by the force on Tuesday, 21 May.
Increased Police Presence Yields Results
The arrests follow a four-month period of heightened police presence along the Costa del Sol, particularly in Marbella, aimed at combating organised crime. During this period, the town saw around 300 security checks, with approximately 3,000 individuals identified and 1,300 vehicles inspected. The special plan involved officers from the Local Police of Marbella, specialist police, non-uniform personnel, the dog unit, and officers from other police stations in the Andalucía region.
More Police on the Streets Lead to More Checks
The increased police presence on public roads resulted in over 1,300 cars being inspected since the start of the crackdown. Police officers also conducted searches in residential areas, carrying out around 300 checks and processing 227 reports related to drug seizures, and 29 for weapons.
Improved Safety and Reduced Crime Rates
The police have held subsequent meetings with neighbourhood and business associations, who have reported an improvement in safety. The increased presence has also led to the detection of more forged documents, road safety offences, and industrial property offences. Notably, there has been a significant reduction in burglaries and reported vehicle thefts.
Identifying and Targeting Organised Crime
The security measures have enabled the police to identify individuals linked to organised crime, generating intelligence for various other investigations. The operation has already resulted in the closure of a business in Puerto Banús. The last violent crime incident was reported on 13 April, with no further incidents since.
Extending the Plan to Fuengirola
On 16 May, an incident occurred in Fuengirola, where the Costa del Sol Plan will soon be extended. The perpetrators of the last six shootings in Marbella have been identified, with most of them already arrested. The remaining culprits are expected to be apprehended shortly.
