Large marihuana plantations busted in La Nucia and Alfaz del Pi

TWO large marihuana plantations have been dismantled, one in L’Alfaz del Pi and another in La Nucia, both run from private villas. Two people were taken into custody and charged with crimes against public health.

Police were prompted to investigate a strong odour of marihuana coming from the La Nucia villa on July 20. A Spanish man aged 42 was arrested after police discovered 406 plants in a basement hydroponic greenhouse.

In a separate incident at a villa in Alfaz del Pi, a greenhouse on the ground floor was found to accommodate 1,078 plants and 200 grammes of marihuana buds ready for distribution on July 24. A 49-year-old Belgian was arrested.

Both operations were allegedly being run professionally and on a large scale with sophisticated lighting, heating, irrigation and ventilation as well as drying equipment.

Charges were made at the Benidorm police station following which both men were released pending court appearances.