Playa de las Américas Homeowners Hire Private Security to Combat Drug Trafficking in Verónicas Centers
Homeowners' associations at Playa de las Américas' Verónicas shopping centers are hiring private security to combat persistent drug trafficking and violent altercations within their buildings.
Rising insecurity around the Verónicas shopping centers in Playa de las Américas has forced local homeowners' associations to take drastic action to keep drug traffickers out of their buildings. Private security firms are now the last line of defense against dealers operating in hallways and common areas—a situation that has frequently led to violent clashes between guards and suspected traffickers.
This highlights the difficulty of managing security in a nightlife hub where various commercial interests collide. While these buildings house legitimate businesses like supermarkets and restaurants, their location between Avenida Rafael Puig and the coastal promenade has made them a constant flashpoint. Dealers often refuse to leave these private spaces, leading to altercations that are frequently filmed and shared online, proving that the situation has become difficult for security staff to manage alone.
The conflict also creates a jurisdictional challenge. While private security guards try to keep illicit activity off their properties, the responsibility for patrolling the surrounding streets and sidewalks lies with the National and Local Police. The dealers use sophisticated tactics, often working in pairs—one to scout for customers and another to supply the drugs—to blend in with street vendors and avoid detection.
Authorities have proposed closing the service road next to Avenida Rafael Puig to traffic during the early morning to reduce the damage caused by large-scale brawls. However, local business owners oppose this, arguing that the restrictions would unfairly punish workers and shopkeepers who are already struggling with the area's insecurity.
It is important to distinguish this ongoing issue from other violent crimes in the area. For example, the death of a 37-year-old man following an assault on May 28 was an isolated incident and is not linked to the daily struggle between security guards and drug dealers inside the shopping centers.