Alleged clan boss arrested in large-scale raid – 13 suspects held

Large-scale raid hits alleged drug network in Mallorca

It was one of those unpleasant mornings in Palma: a cold wind driving leaves down the Passeig, and half a dozen photographers in front of the courthouse with wet flashes. Amid it all one of the detainees even shouted to the photographers: "Show me at my best!" — it sounded oddly relaxed on a day when the authorities announced a significant blow against organised crime.

In the raid, carried out by the Guardia Civil and the National Police, a total of 13 people were arrested. Among them, according to investigators, is a man from the island's interior who they attribute the role of head of an extensive drug ring. Nine of those arrested were brought before the investigative judge in Palma that same morning; the judge ordered pre-trial detention for the majority — under high security measures.

18 properties searched — focus on several locations

The operation is part of an ongoing investigation series now in its sixth phase. In total, officers searched 18 apartments and premises in Palma, Manacor, Marratxí, Llucmajor, Cala Ratjada and Son Servera. Authorities said large quantities of narcotics and cash were seized; the police have not yet provided exact amounts.

Notably, investigators speak of a network that is said not to have operated solely locally. Wiretapped calls and undercover investigations indicated that the organisation is believed to have planned drug movements regionally and even internationally.

Connections, past cases, ongoing investigations

According to information, the arrests are connected to earlier high-profile seizures — including a large cocaine shipment discovered in Valencia in the summer. At that time, hundreds of kilos of drugs were recovered; that lead took investigators forward until they moved in with this operation.

Particularly explosive is the mention of a former senior police officer among the accused. The former head of the narcotics division in Palma appears in the investigations; he is accused, among other things, of bribery and disclosure of official secrets. The judiciary has imposed a gag order on parts of the proceedings, so many details remain under seal for now.

What matters now

For residents in the affected towns this means: increased police presence, questions and a slight sense of relief — depending on whom you ask. Investigations continue; further summonses and possible additional arrests are not excluded. The judiciary now wants to clarify how extensive the structures are, who was involved and how the money flows occurred.

This is a story that will not end here — the web appears to be too large. And yes, the detainee's line to the cameras lingers: a kind of sarcastic finale on a day when several families had their doors searched and judges made tough decisions.

Investigations are ongoing. This report will be updated as soon as the judiciary releases further information.