Lorraine Williamson
Seven people have been arrested in Roquetas de Mar after a man was allegedly held for 13 days, drugged, and robbed of around €40,000. The Guardia Civil said the victim was kept inside a property that was also being used as a drug sales point in the Almería town. During that time, investigators believe the suspects gave him drugs and medication to weaken his ability to resist.
According to the Guardia Civil, more than 170 withdrawals and bank transfers were made from the victim’s accounts.
The money was allegedly taken through several methods, including Bizum and Hal-Cash. In total, around €40,000 was stolen.
The investigation began in October, after officers learned that a man may have been unlawfully detained in a property in Roquetas de Mar.
Homes searched in Guardia Civil operation
The investigation, named Operación Legartia, led officers to carry out two searches in Roquetas de Mar.
During the searches, agents found doses of amphetamine, cocaine base, methadone capsules, and trazodone. They also seized an air weapon, an extendable baton, and large bladed weapons.
Officers also recovered stolen items, including air-conditioning units, bathroom fittings, and tools. Some of the property has already been identified and returned to its owner.
Seven suspects before the court
The seven people arrested are men and women aged between 18 and 62. All are residents of Roquetas de Mar.
They are being investigated for alleged offences including belonging to a criminal group, unlawful detention, drug trafficking, robbery with violence or intimidation, and money laundering.
The suspects have been placed before the court in Roquetas de Mar. The investigation remains open while officers look for possible further suspects and try to identify the owners of other recovered items.
A serious case in coastal Almería
The case highlights the kind of organised local crime that can sit behind apparently isolated incidents.
For Roquetas de Mar, one of Almería’s best-known coastal towns, the allegations are especially disturbing because of the length of time the victim was allegedly held and the level of control described by investigators.
The Guardia Civil has not released further details about the victim’s condition.