Nothing moves in La Breña without ‘Benito’ knowing about it – or so investigators say.
The 38-year-old Barbate (Cadiz) native had allegedly built up such an extensive network of informants in the neighbourhood that approaching his territory unnoticed was almost impossible.
For that reason, Guardia Civil officers chose an unusual time for their raid: 4pm in the afternoon.
On February 19, three unmarked vehicles pulled up outside block five in the La Breña district.
They forced their way through the reinforced entrance of the ground-floor flat and found Benito, his cousin Manolo, his girlfriend and two other associates allegedly in the middle of preparing drugs for sale.
What they discovered inside was described as one of the largest drug hauls seen in a so-called ‘narcopiso’ in the province.
Seized during the operation were:
- 3.2 kilos of pure cocaine
- 1.2 kilos of heroin
- Hundreds of ready-to-sell doses of various drugs – including viagra
- 154 ten-gram pellets of hashish stamped with the Betis football crest
- 5.5 kilos of marijuana
- Around 1,000 pills of a popular erectile dysfunction medication
- More than €5,000 in cash
Officers also found a pistol with multiple boxes of ammunition, a crossbow, two air rifles, a katana, a machete and numerous vehicles – including quads, motorcycles and electric scooters – many of which were allegedly stolen.
Equipment used to cut, package and distribute drugs was also seized.
Investigators believe the flat functioned as a major distribution hub.
The volume of drugs found is unusual for street-level dealing operations, where traffickers often store stock in smaller quantities across multiple locations to limit losses in case of a raid.
Benito, who has an extensive criminal record dating back to 2011, has previous convictions linked not only to drug trafficking but also to assault, threats, resisting arrest, driving without a licence and violent robbery.
While primarily based in Barbate, his activities are believed to have extended to nearby towns such as Chiclana and Conil.
According to investigators, the group operated with tight security. Addicts allegedly acted as lookouts, warning of police presence. Communication methods, vehicles and routes were constantly changed.
The flat itself was protected by up to three reinforced doors, and officers were aware the suspects possessed at least one real firearm.
Authorities say the alleged network’s activities went beyond street dealing. It is suspected of accepting stolen goods as payment, carrying out violent ‘rip-offs’ against rival traffickers and renting out stolen vehicles to transport drug shipments from beaches to inland stash houses – sometimes being paid in narcotics for these services.
The coastline near Barbate, particularly the Marisucia beach area in Caños de Meca near the Trafalgar lighthouse, remains a well-known landing point for drug shipments.
From there, loads are allegedly moved quickly through the pine forests of La Breña – terrain traffickers know well.
The operation resulted in five arrests. Benito and his alleged right-hand man have been remanded in custody, while the others remain under investigation.
During the raid, officers also found a minor living in the flat. Social Services and the Cadiz juvenile prosecutor’s office have been notified.
Investigators note that one of the most troubling aspects of the case is the normalisation of drug activity in some areas from an early age.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
