SPANISH NEWS: Police intercept massive haul of stolen watches and jewellery about to be sent overseas

POLICE intercepted a massive haul of stolen luxury watches and jewellery about to be sent out of Spain.

An investigation into a criminal organisation dedicated to house break-ins carried out by gangs roaming the country led to the seizure of 2,500 packages in all and the recovery of 80 high-end watches, numerous pieces of jewellery and more than 25 electronic devices.

The items were bundled up into packages wrapped with huge amounts of tape or were hidden among clothing and footwear.

The operation involved raids on five homes and a messenger service business in Barcelona, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Manresa and Cordoba and resulted in nine arrests, all Armenians and Georgians.

Police said the thieves used the company to get stolen items back to their countries of origin to avoid the booty being traced and to be able to sell it. They also said they believed some of the gang members have links to the Georgian mafia.

Police have connected the criminal organisation to 10 robberies, mainly from private homes in various parts of Spain.

They also reported the investigation remains open.