A GANG has been dismantled by Spanish police in Andalucia after holding a man captive for 13 days, drugging him to override his will and stealing up to €40,000 from his bank accounts.
The group carried out more than 170 withdrawals and transfers while the victim was being kept under the influence of narcotics and medication, leaving him unable to resist.
Seven people have been arrested in Roquetas de Mar, Almeria in connection with the case.
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They are accused of belonging to a criminal group, illegal detention, robbery with violence and intimidation, drug trafficking and money laundering.
The investigation began in October after officers discovered that a man was being held captive inside a property in Roquetas de Mar that was also being used as a drug dealing point.
According to the Guardia Civil, the victim was kept there for nearly two weeks, during which time drugs and medication were administered to weaken his capacity to act or make decisions.
Over that period, the suspects carried out more than 170 cash withdrawals and bank transfers, including through services such as Bizum and Hall Cash, eventually stealing €40,000.
During the operation, known as Operation Legartia, officers from the Roquetas de Mar investigation unit, backed by citizen security units, carried out two house searches in the town.
Inside, they seized quantities of amphetamine and cocaine base, along with methadone and trazodone capsules.
Officers also found an air gun, an expandable baton and several large bladed weapons, including machetes and machete-like weapons.
Finally, a number of stolen items were also recovered, including air conditioners, sanitary equipment and tools.
These have already been identified and returned to their rightful owner.
In total, seven people, aged between 18 and 62 and all residents of Roquetas de Mar, have been arrested.
The investigation remains ongoing as officers work to identify any additional suspects and trace the owners of other recovered items.
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