Else Beekman
Authorities in Málaga have launched a sweeping offensive against cannabis clubs suspected of concealing large-scale drug trafficking operations. The coordinated effort, known as Operation Tapadera, has already resulted in eight arrests.
Furthermore, the police confiscated marijuana, MDMA, THC edibles, and thousands of euros in cash.
What began with a simple street stop has since evolved into one of the region’s most persistent law enforcement efforts. It uncovered how loosely regulated associations have turned into lucrative criminal ventures. Many clubs continue to operate despite repeated closure orders, raising fresh concerns about legal loopholes, lax oversight, and the growing appeal of cannabis culture among both locals and foreigners.
Clubs resisting closure
Police say many of these clubs masquerade as non-profit associations promoting the cultural and responsible use of cannabis. However, their real purpose appears to be the illegal sale of marijuana and hashish. Investigators have identified eight such clubs operating in Málaga city alone. Four have been shut down after drug seizures and arrests, but the others remain open despite repeated warnings.
“They’re resilient. It’s extremely difficult to shut them down,” police sources said. “More and more clubs are opening, many run by foreigners with drug trafficking records. It’s big business.”
Seized drugs and resistance
During recent operations, officers confiscated six kilos of substances—mostly marijuana—and €4,500 in cash. Four clubs in the Centro, Teatinos, and Cruz del Humilladero districts received closure orders for promoting drug use and administrative violations.
One particularly defiant club in Puerto de la Torre continued to operate despite receiving four closure orders over a two-year period. On the fifth attempt, police finally broke in after overcoming reinforced security. They arrested the 24-year-old Swedish manager and seized cannabis edibles, THC-infused sweets, around 80 vape cartridges containing THC, marijuana, MDMA, and sales paraphernalia.
Legal grey area
Cannabis consumption in Spain remains in a legal grey zone. While personal use in private spaces is tolerated, public consumption and the sale or distribution of cannabis remain illegal. Furthermore, it is not permitted to consume any narcotic substances on commercial premises.
CBD (cannabidiol), a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, is the only legally available cannabis-derived substance.
Lax entry rules and club practices
Access to these clubs varies across Spain. Some require ID, proof of age, and membership fees of around €10 per month. Members are often required to consume cannabis on-site and not take it away. Others enforce stricter policies, such as needing a referral from an existing member to join.
In Málaga, however, many clubs have relaxed controls. Entry often requires only a form of ID. Some clubs charge a joining fee and then sell cannabis to members with little oversight. Investigators say a legitimate association would need clear records, a traceable membership system, and full control over the distribution and use of substances—none of which are consistently observed.
Calls for legal reform
Experts acknowledge that associations could operate safely if they adhered strictly to legal guidelines. Yet, current Spanish laws do not accommodate such models. “These clubs resemble smokers’ associations, but there’s no legal provision allowing consumption of other substances,” one legal expert said.
Without political support or legislative reform, the future of cannabis clubs in Spain remains uncertain. Specialists believe it’s only a matter of time before regulated spaces for cannabis users are introduced—but for now, enforcement will continue.
Source: Guardia Civil, Málaga Hoy
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