Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Spain is a popular holiday destination for millions of Brits but visitors have now been warned of a ‘criminal underbelly’ and ‘sinister side’
Tenerife is an incredibly popular holiday destination for millions of people every year.
Located in the Canary Islands, Tenerife offers sun all-year round and its sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and entertaining nightlife make it a perfect place to enjoy some much-needed time off. Brits flock to the southern part of the island, such as Playa de las Americas, Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos, every year and that will be the same in the coming months as thousands look to jet off for some winter sun.
Those who visit Tenerife have now been warned of a “dark underbelly” that haunts the popular destination, however. Those heading to Playa de las Americas especially, where the Veronicas Strip is home to dozens of late-night bars and clubs, have been told to watch out for its “serious drug underworld”, Irish Mirror reports.
Ciara O’Loughlin spent two summers working in Tenerife as a bartender and claims the island is not all it seems, with it having a “sinister side”. She claimed: “There is a serious drug underworld operating on the island. It’s not hard to see how some Irish and Brits abroad can get caught up in trouble by innocently stepping on the wrong toes.
“I observed other bars deeply involved in illicit activities, providing a haven for dealers throughout the night. Many young workers on the strip, oblivious to the serious risks, found themselves caught up in dangerous situations linked to these dealers. Guiding drug-seeking tourists to these dealers would earn them a swift €10. In stark contrast, my friend and I begged for tips just to quench our thirst, unlike others who seemed to live without such financial worries.”
Ms O’Loughlin was 20 years old when she and a friend headed to Tenerife to work as a bartender seven years ago. Although it was an “unforgettable” experience, she said she counts herself “lucky not to have faced any serious issues”. The two summers I spent there were certainly unforgettable, but I count myself lucky not to have faced any serious issues – except for the time my handbag was forcibly taken from me as I walked home,” she said. Ms O’Loughlin continued: “Every country or city has its problems, but these party destinations seem to function within their own lawless microcosms. To all young people setting off on your first party holiday, have fun, but stay vigilant.”
