POLICE have seized a haul of war-grade weapons, including assault rifles and hand grenades, after dismantling an arms and drug trafficking gang on the Costa del Sol.
Four suspects were arrested in a series of raids across Malaga province, where officers also seized 120kg of cocaine, 60kg of hashish, 3,000 ecstasy tablets and 650g of pink cocaine – also known as ‘tusi’.
The haul included 36 long guns, 11 pistols, 11 hand grenades, eight bulletproof vests and more than 5,000 rounds of ammunition.
Officers also recovered seven silencers and two ballistic armour plates capable of stopping military-grade ammunition.
The investigation began in May during a routine traffic stop, when officers pulled over a car carrying six automatic rifles, three hand grenades, ammunition magazines and 180 rounds of military-grade ammunition.
The driver was arrested at the scene and is currently in custody awaiting trial.
Investigators from Malaga’s Drugs and Organised Crime Unit (UDYCO) then launched a wider probe, which resulted in a series of busts across Malaga province this week.
Given the risk posed by the suspects, specialist officers from the Special Security Operations Group (GOES), supported by aerial units, were deployed during the operation.
On Monday, police intercepted another vehicle carrying 120kg of cocaine, leading to the arrest of two more suspects.
A fourth alleged gang member was later arrested as officers searched properties across several municipalities in Malaga province.
Police believe the gang was involved in international arms trafficking as well as large-scale drug distribution.
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