Seven people have been arrested for their alleged involvement in a drug-trafficking operation in Marbella.
The Policia Nacional said it interrupted a fuel-loading operation on Guadalmina beach late on Tuesday night.
According to police sources, patrols detected signs of illicit manoeuvres shortly before midnight.
Officers observed a rigid-hulled inflatable boat positioned on the sand, several individuals moving petrol canisters, and a vehicle nearby prepared for loading.
Two officers approached the scene and found more than a dozen petaqueros transporting fuel containers, a tactic commonly used to supply high-powered boats linked to smuggling networks operating off the Andalucia coast.
As the officers reached the shore, the boat – which was reportedly running without control – drifted before becoming stranded on the beach, prompting the group to flee in different directions.
The two officers detained two suspects at the scene. Additional patrols then secured the area and searched for others involved.
A short time later, police located a van believed to be connected to the operation. Inside were 127 petrol drums, allegedly filled with fuel and stacked for transport to the boat.
Plain-clothes officers subsequently identified and arrested further suspects who had escaped during the initial intervention.
Support units recovered several fuel canisters left scattered on the beach and nearby road.
The Policia Nacional confirmed that the operation concluded with seven arrests and the seizure of the boat, the van and the fuel containers.
