Dismantling of the Gang Responsible for the Wave of Robberies in Pharmacies at San Juan Beach, Alicante

The National Police and the Civil Guard have dismantled the criminal group responsible for the wave of robberies in pharmacies at San Juan Beach and the El Campello area in a joint operation. The gang operated swiftly, forcing doors and removing cash registers or safes, then fleeing in high-end vehicles with altered license plates.

The operation resulted in the arrest of six individuals attributed with more than 40 robbery offences in businesses, pharmacies, and banks in the province and in Murcia and Valencia. These individuals had extensive criminal records, with one banned from entering Spain and another with a murder record in Ukraine. The ringleader and his four main collaborators have been imprisoned.

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According to reports from the National Police and the Civil Guard , the investigation began in the summer of 2024, when an increase in pharmacy robberies was detected, especially in the San Juan Beach, El Campello, and Marina Alta areas. The criminal network, composed of individuals with numerous prior offences, had a strict division of tasks. While some were responsible for the thefts, others handled security with scout vehicles or logistics.

Following the necessary investigations, the National Police and the Civil Guard coordinated to conduct seven home searches in Orihuela, Torrevieja, Benidorm, Villajoyosa, and Denia, resulting in the arrest of six members of the organisation. Given the dangerous nature of the detainees, who did not hesitate to use force and violence during the robberies, the operation involved specialised intervention units from both forces.

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During these searches, agents seized 7,000 euros in cash, a starter pistol, clothing used in the robberies, bolt cutters and tools for breaking locks, GPS tracking beacons and walkie-talkies, an OBD machine for cloning vehicle keys, an Italian Police tactical vest, and five vehicles used in the crimes.

In total, they are charged with 42 offences of robbery with force, robbery with violence, criminal organisation, and document forgery. The arrested individuals have been brought before the Court of Instruction No. 3 of Elche, which has ordered the imprisonment of the ringleader and his four main collaborators.

The investigation was conducted by the Specialised and Violent Crime Unit (UDEV) of the National Police of Alicante, the Heritage Team of the Organic Unit of the Judicial Police (UOPJ) of Alicante, and the Organised Crime Team based in Alicante (ECO Levante) belonging to the Central Operational Unit (UCO), who were assisted during its development by the Judicial Police Team of the Civil Guard of San Juan, and the Civil Guard and Local Police of El Campello.