The British former footballer arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking on the Costa del Sol has been named as Neil Clement.
The 47-year-old was cuffed in Mijas after local police raided his cannabis club, called Doobiez, in the Las Terrazas commercial centre in Riviera del Sol.
The former athlete, who spent most of his career with West Bromwich Albion, is accused of running the establishment, which was allegedly selling hashish and marijuana illegally.
The premises also lacked an operating licence and liability insurance, according to local reports.
Police suspected illicit activity after noticing a constant flow of people entering and leaving the premises.
One customer was stopped and searched after leaving and was found in possession of a heat-sealed bag containing marijuana.
The man admitted that he had just bought it at the premises, leading police to carry out a raid on the business, allegedly owned by the former footballer.
In a display case, officers found numerous glass jars containing hashish, several shelves with containers of marijuana, as well as large packages of heat-sealed bags containing the same substances.
Reading-born Clement, a father-of-two, was arrested and faces charges of crimes against public health.
He has been released on bail pending further investigation by the Guardia Civil.
Clement was said to be running a marijuana dispensary club called Doobiez.
‘The best weed club in Marbella, highly recommend,’ reads one review online from 2023.
Another said: ‘Easy to locate, good vibes, good weed and I can assure these boys know their stuff!’
Cannabis clubs operate in a legal grey area in Spain, and are not illegal as long as there are no drugs being sold for money – which could bring trafficking charges.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
