Twenty British nationals are among 25 people arrested in Ibiza following a joint operation between Spanish police and the UK's Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca). The arrests come after a large-scale seizure of drugs, including 4kg of cocaine, 38,000 ecstasy tablets, 250g of ketamine, seven pints of GHB, and crystal MDMA.
Those detained include individuals from London, Liverpool, Manchester, and Newcastle, as well as two Irish nationals, a Czech, a Slovak, and a Spaniard. Authorities also confiscated nearly £46,000 in euros from properties raided as part of Operation Arrow.
Police believe the UK-led drug ring operated two branches on the island: one to establish contacts and another to distribute drugs in bars and clubs. Luxury villas were rented for ringleaders, while flats and apartments housed dealers. A Soca spokesman said the ring used young 'public relations' people in nightclubs to distribute drugs and maintain consistent pricing.
Drugs were smuggled onto the island in cars from the UK or in luggage of British tourists. One young British woman was allegedly caught carrying 3kg of cocaine through the airport on 8 August. Other seized items include a hydraulic tablet press, documents, precision weighing balances, and cutting agents.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed it is aware of the arrests and is providing consular assistance.
