Repeat Offender Faces Five-Year Prison Term for Drug Trafficking in Tenerife

The Provincial Court of Santa Cruz de Tenerife held a hearing this week for a man accused of drug trafficking. The prosecution is seeking a prison sentence of five years and three months, citing the defendant’s history of three prior convictions for similar crimes, which previously resulted in a total of four and a half years of jail time.

The charges stem from a National Police operation in May 2024 on Rafael Puig Street, in the tourist hub of Arona. Officers testified that they caught the man selling drugs to someone in a vehicle. Police seized two wraps of cocaine weighing 0.39 grams with a high purity level of 85.52%. While the street value of the drugs is estimated at 90 euros, the transaction was reportedly agreed upon for 145 euros.

During the hearing, the officers—including an undercover agent—stated they clearly identified the defendant from 15 meters away. They also noted that the frequent use of electric scooters in the Playa de las Américas area is often linked to local drug dealing.

The defense denied the allegations entirely. However, as an alternative, the defense lawyer requested that if the court finds the defendant guilty, it should consider his drug addiction and state of necessity as mitigating factors. Based on this, the defense argued for a sentence of no more than 18 months.

The case underscores the ongoing challenge of policing small-scale drug sales in busy tourist areas, where repeat offenses significantly impact sentencing. The court will now decide the outcome based on the police testimony and the arguments presented by the defense.