Crackdown on drug sales by venues of Benidorm strip known as 'English Zone' to continue over peak summer say police

POLICE have continued to carry out drug operations across Benidorm's party strip.

Raids were undertaken on Thursday, May 7, with two venues on Calle Gerona visited by the Policia Nacional.

The visits resulted in reports concerning drugs, weapons and safety deficiencies, including the serving of a sanction to one establishment that allegedly did not have civil liability insurance.

The Policia Nacional said the latest inspections were welcomed by customers and residents in the area and add to work against criminal groups in recent months.

The new raids followed two days of operations on pubs and clubs owned by two brothers in late March which led to 80 arrests, largely in connection with the sale of drugs.

Officers said the establishments under investigation in what is known as The English Zone were being used for drug dealing.

Among those detained were two business brothers in control of several leisure venues and two other brothers responsible for security and public relations at the premises.

Police said another main suspect was still being sought.

The operation was carried out over two nights, with officers inspecting about seven venues, where they had already carried out surveillance and checks, and was aided by the Benidorm Policía Local.

Fifty three people were arrested on the first night with a further 24 the next night.

Officers seized more than €32,000 in cash, 40 walkie-talkies and 16 mobile phones, used for communications by the gang, six pepper sprays, a brass knuckle, two magnetic boxes used to hide drugs, and quantities of cocaine, ecstasy, cutting agent and marijuana.

The two brothers who own and manage the venues were detained a few days later, along with one of the brothers responsible for security. The other security manager has not yet been located.

Police said the establishments were a hotspot for drug sales and public order offences.

During the investigation, there were fights outside the venues, with arrests for assault and the seizure of machetes, knives and other blunt objects.

Investigators found that some of those involved in security, surveillance and public relations were also directing customers to the right people and places to buy drugs. In some cases, police say, waiters at the venues were the ones dealing.

All 80 detainees, aged between 18 and 82, were released after giving statements. The case has now been passed to the duty court in Benidorm, while the investigation remains open.

Police saidchecks will continue throughout the peak holiday season.