18/01/2012 00:00
TW
0

Palma.—With most of the suspects coming from Majorca's largest and most dangerous drugs cartels, security around the specially created court room on the Son Rossinyol industrial estate was extremely tight.

A special court room had to be set up because the Balearic High Court can not accommodate 55 suspects and the same temporary court may be used again when the case against the Duke of Palma comes to court again.

The 55 suspects were all arrested as a result of Operation Kabul, one of the biggest anti-drugs operations ever mounted in the history of Balearics which in turn has led to the largest court hearing.

Tensions were high
Tensions were high yesterday with so many members of opposing gangs on the bench and one of the accused actually fainted as insults and counter claims were exchanged - delaying the start of the proceedings by two hours.

Amongst the accused is the infamous Francisca Cortes Picazo, alias La Paca, who is head of one of the most influential gangs in the Son Banya shanty town.

All of the 55 face charges of smuggling large quantities of cocaine, heroin and cannabis into Majorca and Ibiza and them controlling their distribution to other outlets and a network of dealers.

The prosecution, which is also recommending that the 55 be fined a total of 29 million euros, also stand charged with the illegal possession of arms, handling stolen goods, armed robbery and intimidation.

All of the suspects were arrested between the end of 2007 and the Summer of 2008 as part of Operation Kabul and some have been held on remand in prison while others were bailed to appear in court yesterday.

Those being held on remand were driven to the make shift court house under heavy security while the others filtered through the police controls at their will and in no particular rush, another reason why proceedings began late.

The hearing is due to continue until February 14, pending no further delays or interruptions.
Media interest
The case has attracted nationwide media interest with TV stations coming live from outside the courthouse throughout the day.
Armed officers from the National Police in Barcelona were also in Palma after having accompanied suspects from the Catalan capital.
Those who are found guilty will also face paying very high court costs because of the complicated operation which was mounted to carry out the hearing and the police involved.