Spanish National Police have dismantled a criminal group accused of carrying out violent drug robberies, known as so-called drug rip-offs, in the Region of Murcia and the province of Alicante. Ten people have been arrested in an operation that followed months of investigation into the gang’s activities.

The inquiry began in September after officers were alerted to a violent assault in an underground car park in the Murcia district of Santo Ángel. Investigators say several armed suspects attacked a victim and stole a bag containing drugs after arranging a supposed transaction.

Police say the gang’s method was to set up meetings under the pretence of buying drugs, then use firearms to intimidate victims and steal the substances. Surveillance and analysis of CCTV footage allowed officers to identify all members and uncover plans for further attacks.

Eight properties were searched in Murcia, Caravaca de la Cruz, Mula, Lorquí, Alhama de Murcia and Pilar de la Horadada in Alicante. Officers seized a semi-automatic nine millimetre firearm, more than four hundred rounds of ammunition, drugs, nearly seventy five thousand euros in cash, and six vehicles. Four of the main suspects have been remanded in custody.