After a months-long investigation, the Guardia Civil dismantled a hidden cannabis-growing complex in the mountains at Aznalcóllar, in Sevilla province.[1][2][3][4][5] Officers detained four people at the site.[1][6][2][3][4][5] The four suspects tried to escape across the mountain when agents reached the site but were caught.[1][6][2][3][4][5] Courts in Sanlúcar la Mayor ordered all four held in prison without bail.[1][6][2][3][4][5] The detainees were brought before those courts as alleged perpetrators of public-health offences and membership in a criminal organisation.[1][6][2][3][4][5] The investigation remains open.[1][6][4]

The operation seized 2,500 plants and 50 kilograms of dried marijuana buds at installations practically inaccessible by road.[1][6][2][3][4][5] Some of the plants stood more than two metres tall.[1][6][2][5] Because vehicles could not be used, agents cut the plants and carried them to a point near a dry riverbed.[1][2] From there, a Guardia Civil helicopter from Granada lifted them out for later destruction.[1][6][2][5] Each growing area had its own irrigation system despite the steep slope and lack of conventional connections.[1] Those running the site had installed motors, pipes and large water stores including pools across the sierra.[1] The site also had electric generators, tools and drying rooms.[1] Officers found the 50 kilograms of dried buds in one drying dependency after processing.[1]

The crops were spread in several production areas over different slopes and linked by a network of paths built by those running the site.[1][3] The plots lay far from towns on steep slopes where vehicles could not enter.[1][4] The investigation began after aerial observation spotted possible hidden plantations.[1][6][3] Officers reached the site on foot over difficult paths while drones watched from the air.[1][6] The terrain made the site hard to locate and reach.[1] Officers therefore set up a special operation to watch possible escape routes from the air.[1] The complex included sleeping areas, rest areas and a kitchen that let keepers stay for long periods without travelling to nearby towns.[1] Keepers could carry on daily work without travelling regularly to nearby towns.[1] A nearby watercourse helped supply the crops.[1]

The operation involved officers from the La Rinconada Company, the Organic Judicial Police Unit of the Sevilla Command and the Granada Air Service.[6][2]

Police said further linked plantations and other people involved have not been ruled out.[2]