Lorraine Williamson
The Guardia Civil has dismantled a nationwide network accused of acquiring prescription medicines with falsified documents. They then sold them online for drug production. Furthermore, twenty-two people have been arrested.
The medicines were allegedly used to produce karcubi, a cheap and dangerous drug created by mixing psychotropic pills with hashish, and often trafficked towards North Africa.
Operation began with intercepted parcel in Zamora
Operation Grecofar started when a package containing a large quantity of psychotropic medicines was discovered in a courier warehouse in Benavente, Zamora. Investigators traced the source of the drugs to a series of private electronic prescriptions. These were all issued under the name of the same medical professional.
Falsified prescriptions and digital distribution network
According to the investigation, one individual was responsible for forging the prescriptions and selling them. His main collaborator reportedly distributed these fake documents through messaging apps, enabling buyers to obtain medicines from pharmacies across Spain. Payments were made using bank accounts held by so-called “economic mules” who allowed their details to be used in exchange for a commission.
Major seizure in Majadahonda home
Parallel inquiries led agents to Majadahonda, Madrid, where a resident was allegedly stockpiling medicines and reselling them on social media. During a house search, officers seized large quantities of prescription drugs, narcotics, forged prescriptions, falsified medical stamps and computer equipment used to produce the documents. Investigators also identified numerous end users of the falsified prescriptions.
Operation spans ten provinces
Arrests were carried out in Alicante, A Coruña, Ávila, Barcelona, Granada, Madrid, Málaga, Santander, Valencia and Vizcaya. The Guardia Civil’s Judicial Police Unit coordinated the operation with support from the General Council of Pharmacists’ Associations and the Pharmacy Inspection Service of the Community of Madrid.
Suspects face charges for endangering public health
Those detained face charges relating to crimes against public health, belonging to a criminal organisation, and document fraud. All detainees, along with the seized materials, have been placed before the Tribunal de Instancia in Majadahonda, Section 6.
Growing warning over legal drugs entering the black market
Authorities say the case highlights how legal medicines are increasingly finding their way into illegal drug networks through digital platforms, prescription fraud and organised trafficking. The investigation remains open as further users and distributors are being traced.