Ten arrested in major Majorca drugs operation

Ten people have been arrested across Majorca and substantial amounts of drugs seized in a major narcotics operation carried out by the National Police drugs squad. The police operation was launched in January, reaching its close on Saturday with the arrest of the 25-year-old head of the narcotics gang at a Palma hotel last Saturday night. Police swooped on houses in Inca, Manacor, Son Servera, Alcudia and Palma and arrested eight Spaniards and two Colombian women. 2.3 kilos of cocaine, 4.6 kilos of hashish, 12.800 euros in cash, mobile telephone, weighing scales and two hire cars were seized. The bulk of the drugs and the cash was found at properties raided in Son Servera, Alcudia and Palma. The gang, which would smuggle the drugs in from Barcelona, had outlets all over the island and the ring leader has been under police surveillance ever since the operation started nine months ago. Since January, shadowing the ring leader has enabled the drugs squad to locate each one of the suspect's homes, where the drugs are stashed and identify all those involved with the local cartel. Most of those arrested have criminal records and were expected to have either appeared before a remand hearing last night or will do so first thing this morning. The important bust comes just days after fresh concerns have been raised by Palma residents about the extent of blatant drug dealing in certain parts of the capital.