The National Police have dismantled a human trafficking ring in Orihuela, arresting a fifty-seven year old man and a forty-eight year old woman, suspected of leading the operation. These individuals are alleged to have exploited women for sexual services and forced them into drug trafficking. Eight women, all from South America, were rescued from a brothel during the operation.

The investigation, led by the Provincial Brigade of Foreign Affairs and Borders in Alicante, uncovered that the victims were drawn in through false job offers on erotic websites that promised opportunities which were ultimately unfulfilled. The man was tasked with recruiting the women, while the woman managed the brothel and imposed strict working conditions on the victims.

Women were subjected to harsh control measures, including being housed in cramped quarters. They had no keys to the property and could only leave for food, facing constant surveillance. The operation also revealed that victims were forced into drug trafficking, collecting cocaine hidden in packages and transporting it to clients.

Following the investigation, police raided the brothel, arresting the two suspects while rescuing five additional victims, bringing the total to eight women aged between twenty-four and fifty-one. During the raid, several items linked to the crimes were seized, including cocaine, cash, and phones. The suspects have been placed in front of the judicial authorities in Orihuela.