Brits in Benidorm facing daily police raids in crackdown on hidden drugs

Benidorm police carried out a series of raids on the nightlife venues in the area known as the ‘English zone’ in the Spanish resort, which is popular with British holidaymakers

Benidorm police are conducting daily sweeps in the town’s infamous ‘English zone’ in a bid to crack down on drug peddling to Brit holidaymakers.

Cops have unearthed several ingenious hiding spots for contraband, from inside fire extinguishers and sofa covers to electrical boxes and even loo roll holders. They’ve sent a clear message to dealers that no matter where they stash their illegal wares, they’ll be rooted out.

In the latest clampdown, seven individuals were arrested for crimes against public health, with officers confiscating drugs valued at €30,000 (£25,300).

A Benidorm Local Police spokesperson reported that this month alone, six venues in the bustling party hub frequented by British tourists have been probed, leading to four being shuttered as a precaution. The haul included 200 grams of cocaine, 300 tabs of LSD and MDMA pills, 200 portions of marijuana (THC), 20 grams of hash, eight canisters of laughing gas, along with mobiles and €3,000 in cash.

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Stashing narcotics in bizarre places has become a routine “modus operandi” for drug sellers in the area, acknowledged by repeated busts. For instance, just back in March, two culprits were collared for hoarding drugs at a local nightspot, where 85 doses of narcotics were discovered.

MDMA, ecstasy, cocaine, and cannabis were stashed away in fire extinguishers, toilet cisterns, and beneath the cash register.

Police have said that the pair arrested were tasked with minding the drugs at the pubs and raking in cash for them. Officers said they found them with a large sum of money. The police have vowed to keep up the daily raids.

Although most trips to Benidorm take place without any issues, tourists do occasionally face problems.

In April three men were apprehended in Benidorm after a tourist’s bank cards were stolen and used nine times in less than 20 minutes. The tourist was targeted near the town’s infamous Muggers’ Alley, located off Gerona Street next to the local tourist police station. The arrests were made after the victim received notifications on his mobile about the usage of his cards at various bars and restaurants around the town, leading detectives to one of these locations.

Among those arrested were the alleged pickpocket, a getaway driver, and a third suspect who managed an unnamed bar where the Brit’s stolen cards had been charged.

In light of recent events, police issued a warning to tourists visiting Benidorm. They advised: “Always keep an eye on your personal belongings, especially in crowded areas. Do NOT keep cell phones or wallets in back pockets or easily accessible areas. Be wary of strangers who approach you with vague excuses or exaggerated gestures. In the event of a robbery, do not confront the offender directly and notify the police immediately.”