The Guardia Civil arrested five people and placed another under investigation in Oropesa del Mar in connection with a drug cultivation and distribution network.[1][2][3][4] The operation, called Operación Cantonel, culminated in searches on 5 November 2026 after an investigation begun in 2024.[1][2][3] The six suspects face allegations of drug trafficking, membership of a criminal organisation, electricity fraud and offences against road safety.[1][2][3][4] Proceedings prepared by the Guardia Civil in Oropesa del Mar were sent to the competent judicial authority.[1][2][3]

During house searches, officers seized marijuana, hashish and cocaine, indoor cannabis-plantation material, firearms and other weapons, and nearly 5,000 euros in cash.[1][2][3][4] Agents found narcotics prepared for distribution and equipment allegedly used to grow marijuana indoors.[1][2][3][4] Officers also seized firearms and other weapons, material connected with making hashish, and cash.[1][2][3][4] The homes had an advanced alarm system and many surveillance cameras intended to hinder police action and monitor movement around the premises.[1][2][3][4]

Investigators found an illegal electricity hookup wired directly into an illuminated Directorate-General of Traffic signalling panel and carefully concealed.[1][2][3][4] The tapped power supply caused failures in AP-7 motorway signalling, creating a serious danger to drivers.[1][2][3][4] Operación Cantonel began in 2024 with collaboration from the Oropesa del Mar Local Police from its earliest stages.[1][2][3] Units of the Castellón Command took part in the 5 November deployment, supported by the USECIC, the Reserve and Security Group and the Air Service.[1][2][3][4]