Six people have been arrested by the National Police in Alicante, accused of running a criminal network that sexually exploited women in two properties in Santa Pola. The arrests were carried out on 11 March in Elche and Santa Pola, following an investigation led by the provincial unit against illegal immigration networks and document fraud.

Police say the group forced women into prostitution, controlled their movements and withheld promised earnings. One protected witness told officers she had been held for more than three months and was not allowed to leave freely. Investigators believe up to 18 women may have passed through the flats.

Officers also allege the suspects supplied drugs to both victims and clients, and sold medication illegally. During searches of the properties, police seized more than 10,000 euros in cash, drugs, Viagra, mobile phones and detailed records of services provided.

The six suspects, including a 44-year-old Colombian woman described as the alleged ringleader and a 45-year-old Spanish man believed to be her partner, have been accused of human trafficking for sexual exploitation, membership of a criminal organisation and offences against public health.