Police have dismantled a suspected drug-dealing operation being run from a cannabis ‘coffee shop’ in the centre of Marbella, arresting five people.

The Policia Nacional raided the premises following an investigation into allegations that drugs were being sold and distributed ‘constantly and systematically’.

Officers carried out two searches – one at the coffee shop and another at the home of the alleged leaders of the operation.

Police seized 3.41kg of marijuana and 1.55kg of hashish, along with around 50 joints and approximately 20 vapes containing THC (the psychoactive component of marijuana).

More than €32,000 in cash was also recovered, together with two vehicles and four luxury watches.

But one of the most unusual discoveries was made inside a freezer at the home of the alleged ringleaders.

Officers found 11 bars of hashish disguised inside chocolate-bar wrappers, according to the National Police.

The remaining drugs were distributed around the coffee shop.

Cannabis club allegedly used as front

The investigation, dubbed Operation Barrio, was carried out by the Marbella police station’s Group II narcotics unit.

It began after officers received information about suspected drug dealing at a coffee shop located in a central square in Marbella.

Investigators subsequently identified the suspects involved and focused on those responsible for running the club.

Police said the establishment purported to operate as a cannabis consumption association, but investigators concluded that those behind it were actually part of a network dedicated to drug trafficking.

Two people running the coffee shop were arrested during the raid, while another three suspects were detained at their homes.

Following the five arrests, a judge authorised the temporary closure of the establishment.

The investigation continues.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.