Three people have been remanded in custody following a National Police operation to dismantle an alleged illegal immigration and drug trafficking network operating in Alicante province and beyond.

Two of those arrested in Alicante, Torrevieja and San Vicente were ordered into provisional custody without bail yesterday by a court in Dénia, which is overseeing the investigation. Five suspects appeared before the court, while others were released after giving statements to police.

A further arrest was made in Vitoria. That suspect also appeared before a judge yesterday and was remanded in custody by a local court.

According to the Valencian High Court of Justice, all those under investigation face allegations of facilitating illegal immigration, offences against public health linked to drug trafficking, and membership of a criminal organisation. One suspect who was granted release was already in prison in connection with separate proceedings. The investigation remains ongoing.