Police in Cartagena have made significant arrests in connection with illegal cannabis cultivation and electricity fraud. Three women and three men were detained as they are suspected of being responsible for multiple cannabis grow houses in the Los Mateos neighbourhood. Residents had raised concerns over frequent electricity outages, which prompted a police investigation.

The investigation linked these outages to numerous unauthorized cannabis farms operating indoors. Officers discovered that the illegal connections to the electrical grid were causing dangerous overloads, putting surrounding homes at risk of fire due to unsafe practices.

Following judicial authorisation, police conducted a major operation that led to the search and seizure of five properties. Officers confiscated six hundred and fifty-five cannabis plants across various growth stages, as well as equipment used for cultivation.

In addition to the arrests and seizures, workers from the electricity company were involved to disconnect the illegal connections, effectively reducing the risk of fire and stabilising the electrical supply in the area. This operation highlights the ongoing battle against drug-related crimes in Cartagena.