Drug dealers in Spain have been caught using drones to deliver doses to customers in a bid to evade police surveillance.

Ten people have been arrested after investigators dismantled an alleged network operating from three coordinated drug dens in Noia, in Galicia’s A Coruña province.

Police said the group also converted cocaine into crack. Seven of those arrested have been remanded in custody.

Footage released by the force shows a gloved officer lifting the casing of a white drone, exposing its interior.

The investigation, named Operation Falcone, lasted more than five months.

Officers found that three apparently separate dealing premises were linked, serving buyers from Noia and surrounding towns.

Two residents of nearby Cambados were identified as the network’s regular cocaine suppliers, according to investigators.

The arrests unfolded in two stages. Officers first detained three people transporting drugs towards Noia, seizing around 200g of cocaine and €1,900 in cash.

Two days later, another seven suspects were arrested during raids on three properties in the town.

Officers recovered cocaine, cannabis, hashish, equipment for preparing and distributing drugs, and electronic devices.

The investigation continues.