Adeje Drug Bust: 11 Arrested in Fake Cannabis Club Raids

The National Police, working with local officers in Adeje, have completed an operation to shut down several drug dealing locations. These spots were disguised as cannabis associations in the Puerto Colón Shopping Center.

The investigation began after many complaints from local residents and businesses. They had noticed an increase in illegal drug activities at places pretending to be non-profit social clubs.

Police searched four cannabis associations and two homes during the operation. The evidence found clearly showed that these places were hiding criminal activity behind a legal front.

The operation led to the arrest of 11 people – six men and five women, aged 20 to 52, and of various nationalities.

Among the items seized were: 4.5 kg of marijuana, over 800 grams of hashish, more than 100,000 euros in cash, equipment for growing marijuana indoors, pre-rolled joints ready for sale, surveillance cameras that illegally recorded people and violated data protection rules, and various other drug trafficking materials.

Police also uncovered many administrative violations, which led to the Local Police starting a second phase of inspections.

These associations were not operating as social or therapeutic clubs. Instead, they were actual drug dealing points, mainly targeting tourists. This created a form of tourism linked to drug use, which negatively impacted the island's international image and local economy. Many of these groups used social media to promote their activities, attracting consumers from abroad.

The National Police has reaffirmed its commitment to work with local authorities to prevent and stop these illegal activities, particularly in popular tourist areas like Adeje. They will continue to collaborate with the Courts, Local Police, and private security in the port area.