The investigation, carried out over several months, has completely dismantled the organization's structure, arresting the main leaders and the rest of the members. They performed roles such as directing illicit activities, supplying and maintaining plantations, tending to crops, and acting as frontmen to conceal assets.
The organization operated several intensive cannabis cultivation sites in properties located in Reus, Riudoms, el Catllar, and Vilafranca del Penedès. Other properties in Calafell, Vila-seca, and Cubelles were used by the main leaders to support the operation and manage profits.
Members frequently traveled between plantations to supervise operations, supply specialized equipment, and provide necessary resources. They used numerous vehicles, many rented or registered to third parties, to hinder the identification of those responsible.
The plantations were equipped with climate control, ventilation, lighting, and environmental systems to maximize production. Surveillance systems were also detected to monitor access points. Furthermore, significant electricity fraud was identified, with consumption far exceeding normal levels and illegal connections posing a fire risk.
The operational phase involved collaboration with Endesa to ensure safety during searches and quantify the electricity fraud, estimated at 238,582 euros.
The investigation also uncovered indications of money laundering, with authorities analyzing the assets of members to identify property allegedly derived from illicit cannabis cultivation profits.
The operation resulted in eight arrests and two individuals under investigation. Seized items include 2,024 cannabis plants, 3.404 kilograms of buds, 1.045 kilograms of trimmed cannabis, 25,320 euros in cash, a firearm, ammunition, a vehicle, electronic devices, documentation, cultivation equipment, and illegal electricity connections.
The detainees, all foreign nationals aged between 29 and 65, are being investigated for crimes against public health, electricity fraud, money laundering, criminal organization membership, illegal possession of weapons, document forgery, and breach of sentence. They were brought before the court in Reus.
The operation involved personnel from various units of the Civil Guard, as well as agents from the Municipal Guard of Riudoms and the SEM. Endesa's collaboration was crucial regarding the electrical tampering.
With this action, the Civil Guard considers the main structure of an organization operating stably in the provinces of Tarragona and Barcelona, capable of producing cannabis for the illicit European market, to be dismantled. The investigation continues with the analysis of the seized documentation.
