The National Police have successfully dismantled a criminal organisation in Elche, Alicante, that was involved in human trafficking for sexual exploitation and synthetic drug trafficking. The operation led to the arrest of twelve individuals, and the liberation of ten women who were being forced into prostitution for the group. The investigation was initiated following an anonymous email alerting authorities to the exploitation of South American women in a nearby chalet.

Authorities uncovered a network that controlled victims through surveillance cameras at two local brothels. The structure of the organisation was sophisticated, involving a couple at the top and various collaborators, including a professional advertiser managing sexual exploitation online. Many victims were recruited from South America under false job promises, only to find themselves in debt bondage upon arrival in Spain.

During the investigation, officers discovered a secret stash of ‘tusi,’ commonly known as pink cocaine, which was mixed with caffeine and forced onto the victims for both consumption and sale. The raids resulted in the seizure of mobile phones, cash exceeding nine thousand euros, synthetic drugs, high-end vehicles, and four imitation firearms used to control victims and affirm dominance.

Ultimately, three key members were imprisoned while others were charged with belonging to a criminal organisation, human trafficking, prostitution-related offences, irregular immigration assistance, and drug trafficking. The National Police stress the importance of community collaboration in fighting human trafficking, urging citizens to report any suspicious activities safely and anonymously.