A 51-year-old Spanish care worker has been arrested after a Guardia Civil investigation into the alleged financial exploitation of an elderly German couple led to the discovery of an industrial-scale synthetic drugs laboratory in Dolores.

Officers began the inquiry, known as Operation Dignidad Eterna, after a social worker in Elche raised concerns on 29 June about the welfare of an 85-year-old woman who was in a state of total dependency. Investigators believe the suspect isolated the couple, aged 85 and 87, and took control of their finances, allegedly withdrawing more than 50,000 euros and stealing jewellery. He is also accused of neglect and administering non-prescribed medication. He was arrested on 22 July and later released on bail pending further proceedings.

During a search of his property in Dolores, officers uncovered a fully equipped laboratory in a garage. The facility contained reaction vessels, ventilation systems and large quantities of chemical precursors, including 400 litres of methylamine and 600 litres of dichloromethane. Specialists were called in due to the hazardous nature of the substances.

Two men, a Dutch national and an Estonian, were arrested after allegedly attempting to flee the scene. Both have been remanded in custody on suspicion of public health offences, trafficking in precursors, resisting police and electricity fraud. The investigation remains ongoing.