The drug ring targeted sun-seeking British tourists in the Canary Islands, with dealers pretending to sell sunglasses, watches, and souvenirs while also offering dangerous drugs
Spanish police have cracked down on a major drug syndicate targeting British holidaymakers in the Canary Islands, with street vendors doubling as dealers offering crack cocaine, ecstasy, ketamine, and designer drugs to tourists.
In a sweeping raid, 55 individuals were apprehended across various sites in Tenerife, the archipelago’s most frequented spot by sun-loving Brits, in a collaborative sting by National Police and local forces.
The operation was sparked by the discovery of a common ploy used by the traffickers, who feigned selling sunglasses, watches, and trinkets while stashing illicit substances in public spots like benches and foliage, a tactic designed to evade capture with drugs in their possession.
One key area under surveillance during the police action was the notorious Las Veronicas strip in Playa de las Americas, the same locale where 19-year-old British lad Jay Slater had his last night out before his tragic death in June 2024.
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At the inquest for the Lancashire youngster, Dr Stephanie Martin, a toxicologist, reported finding cocaine, ecstasy, and ketamine in his system post-mortem.
A drug dealer, previously convicted, who accompanied Jay that fateful evening confessed to the Preston coroner that the teen had “popped a pill” and “had a bit of sniff” prior to his ill-fated trek through a perilous national park.
The Canarian Weekly has reported that all 55 men, aged between 25 and 40, who were arrested in Tenerife for allegedly peddling drugs to tourists, have prior convictions for drug-related offences. The arrests took place from April to July during a focused operation in areas frequented by holidaymakers.
In total, the Canarian revealed that the investigation removed the following from circulation: 29 doses of crack, 22 doses of MDMA, 38 doses of cocaine, 10 doses of ketamine, 56 ecstasy tablets, 18 packets of hashish, and 114 single doses of marijuana.
Spanish authorities stated that these dealers primarily targeted young British tourists on beaches and in popular party locations, with numerous arrests also occurring along Tenerife’s Fañabé seafront and Avenida España.
They further noted that this operation was designed to safeguard residents, tourists, and the island’s reputation as a secure destination for British holidaymakers.