A huge cache of military-style weapons, hand grenades and drugs have been unearthed during a major police operation in Malaga province.

The Policia Nacional seized 36 long guns, 11 pistols, 11 hand grenades and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

They also confiscated 120kg of cocaine, 60kg of hashish, 3,000 ecstasy tablets and 650g of pink cocaine (tusi).

The investigation began in May when officers intercepted a car transporting six automatic rifles, three hand grenades, magazines and 180 rounds of military-grade ammunition.

The driver was arrested at the scene and remains in pre-trial detention.

Investigators from Malaga’s Drugs and Organised Crime Unit (UDYCO) believed the weapons seizure pointed to a much larger criminal network involved in both arms and drug trafficking.

Due to the dangerous nature of the suspects, specialist officers from the Special Security Operations Group (GOES) and aerial support units were deployed during the operation.

The investigation later led officers to identify additional members of the gang.

On Monday, police intercepted another vehicle carrying 120kg of cocaine, leading to the arrest of two more suspects.

A fourth alleged gang member was later arrested as officers carried out searches at properties across several municipalities in Malaga province.

During the raids, police recovered an arsenal including 30 assault rifles, 11 pistols, 11 hand grenades, seven silencers, eight bulletproof vests, two ballistic armour plates capable of stopping military ammunition and more than 5,000 rounds of ammunition of various calibres.

They also seized 60kg of hashish, 3,000 ecstasy pills and 650g of tusi, a synthetic drug commonly known as pink cocaine.

Police believe the gang specialised in both international arms trafficking and large-scale drug distribution.