Lorraine Williamson
Two men have been arrested and remanded in custody after investigators seized 100kg of the drug and uncovered what they believe was a distribution network supplying several regions of northern Spain.
Investigation leads police to Barakaldo laboratory
The investigation began after Guardia Civil officers identified links between a Bilbao resident and a person associated with drug trafficking in Cantabria. Investigators suspected drugs were being collected from a communal garage in Barakaldo and began tracing those involved in the operation.
Their enquiries led them to a second man, a resident of Granada who regularly travelled from southern Spain to Bilbao airport. During his short stays in the Basque Country, investigators say he met the Bilbao suspect and travelled to an apartment in Barakaldo.
Police believe the Bilbao resident obtained the products and materials required to manufacture the drugs and transported them to the property. The man from Granada is alleged to have been responsible for producing and preparing the speed.
73kg intercepted during suspected delivery
Operation Presaka reached a decisive stage when officers detected what they believed was a new drug delivery. Investigators watched as five insulated bags containing 38 packages were handed over, with a total weight of 73kg.
Tests subsequently confirmed the substance was amphetamine sulphate, commonly known as speed.
Guardia Civil officers then searched two homes and two garages linked to the suspects. Inside the Barakaldo apartment, they discovered a clandestine laboratory containing equipment and materials used to manufacture and prepare synthetic drugs.
100kg of speed seized
A further 13 packages containing 23kg of speed were discovered in one of the garages, which investigators believe was being used to store the drugs.
Across the operation, Guardia Civil seized 100kg of speed, along with acids and other products used in its manufacture, vacuum-packing machines, scales and two vehicles.
Investigators estimate the laboratory had the capacity to produce up to 200kg of speed every week. Evidence gathered during the investigation also indicates that the two suspects may have manufactured and put approximately 700kg into circulation.
Drugs supplied across northern Spain
According to Guardia Civil, the suspected distribution network was supplying speed across Euskadi, Cantabria and Navarra, giving the operation a reach well beyond Barakaldo itself.
The two men were arrested on suspicion of offences relating to the manufacture and trafficking of drugs. Both have since appeared before a judge and were ordered into provisional detention.
The laboratory has now been dismantled along with the storage locations identified during the investigation.