The Guardia Civil has dismantled an international criminal organisation it says ran intensive indoor cannabis cultivation sites between Camp de Tarragona and Penedès. Eight people were arrested, while two others are under investigation, according to information released through ACN.

For residents in Reus, Riudoms, el Catllar and Vilafranca del Penedès, the investigation identified properties used for cultivation. Investigators also detected illegal electricity connections associated with unusually high consumption, which they said created a fire risk.

Properties identified across Tarragona and Penedès

The investigation lasted several months and led to the complete dismantling of the group's structure, the Guardia Civil said. Those arrested included alleged leaders, people responsible for supplying and maintaining the plantations, crop carers and alleged front people used to conceal ownership of vehicles and other assets.

Investigators identified indoor growing properties in:

  • Reus, Riudoms and el Catllar, in Camp de Tarragona;
  • Vilafranca del Penedès;
  • Calafell, Vila-seca and Cubelles, where other properties were allegedly used by senior members to support the operation and manage its proceeds.

Two plantations dismantled and €238,582 electricity fraud assessed

The group allegedly moved regularly between the sites to supervise operations, deliver specialist equipment and keep production running. Many of the vehicles used were rented or registered in other people's names, according to the investigation.

The cultivation sites were equipped with climate control, ventilation, lighting and environmental monitoring systems. Investigators also found video surveillance systems monitoring access points.

Endesa assisted the Guardia Civil during searches to ensure safety and calculate the alleged electricity fraud, assessed at €238,582. The operation dismantled two plantations and resulted in the seizure of 2,024 cannabis plants, €25,000 and a pistol.

Primary sources: govern.cat. Reported by Source Text Link, ACN, Pere Roca Soler, reusdigital.cat, diarimes.com, tarragonadigital.com, europapress.es, Redacció, elvallenc-v1.srv-n2-01.tirabol.cat, Julio Collado, Tarragona21.