Three held in prison after alleged cocaine labs found in Coín

The Guardia Civil says it broke up a criminal group in Coín, Málaga, after searches at two homes on 14 October. Officers arrested three people on suspicion of drug crimes and seized 68 kilos of cocaine in rock form.

The force named the case Kurt and announced it on 4 November, after looking into the group for several months. It says the group had set up a lab in each home and had not yet cut the cocaine.

What officers found

The Guardia Civil says the group mixed cocaine with acetone and sodium carbonate in the two homes. Officers seized 550 litres of acetone and 150 kilos of other material used to cut the drug.

They also found 10,000 euros in cash, stills, metal moulds, hand presses and logos used to mark the maker. Officers say the moulds and presses helped shape the cocaine into blocks again, and found other lab gear too.

Police also found a magazine for an AK-47 submachine gun. El Español reported that both homes had strong security measures. The force says the group got large amounts of cocaine at the homes before sending it on.

Homes shared with neighbours

The Guardia Civil says the group sent cocaine by road, mainly to France and Italy, hidden in fake spaces inside vehicles. The force said the group handled highly volatile chemicals in homes shared with neighbours.

It warned that the chemicals posed a serious risk of an explosion or another accident for nearby residents. The warning concerned the homes where the group worked, the force said.

Arrests and court orders

The three arrested people appeared before a judge at the Coín Court of First Instance. The judge ordered that they be held in prison; they are accused of drug trafficking, taking part in a criminal group and forging official papers.

The accusations have not been proved in court. The Guardia Civil asked for two international arrest warrants against two people. The court also ordered arrest warrants for other group members, but their number was not given.

Sources: Europa Press and El Español