The investigation began in 2024 and culminated in simultaneous searches in Lérida, Tudela (Navarra), Irun (Guipuscoa), in Spain, and in the district of Faro (Portugal).
In Portugal, the two suspects were arrested on October 7, in Boliqueime. The couple, a 44-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman, both of foreign nationality, led the organization from the Algarve. They also face charges of drug trafficking and illegal possession of weapons.
During the house searches carried out by the PJ, “instruments relevant to the facts under investigation” were seized, as well as narcotic products, cannabis in the planting phase, and a significant number of ammunition for prohibited caliber firearms.
The third arrest took place in Lleida (Spain) and, according to the Spanish police, he was the person in charge of controlling the victims on Spanish territory.
As part of this police operation, called “Aurélia-Belona”, which took place in cooperation with the Guardia Civil, Mossos d’Esquadra and the Judiciary Police, the authorities seized 3800 euros in cash, electronic devices, ammunition, narcotic products and other elements considered relevant to the process, according to EFE.
The Barcelona Court of Instruction ordered preventive detention for the three detainees.