Five arrested in Vitoria for cocaine trafficking and organised criminal network
The Ertzaintza dismantled an organisation dedicated to drug trafficking following an operation that searched two properties and recovered cocaine, 8,640 euros in cash and a replica firearm.
Police operation against trafficking network in Vitoria
According to El Confidencial, the Ertzaintza arrested three men and two women in Vitoria-Gasteiz accused of continuous drug trafficking and membership of a criminal organisation. The operation, carried out this Friday, concluded with searches of two properties where narcotic substances, cash, keys to high-end vehicles and a replica firearm were seized.
The investigation began in July 2025 on a street in the Coronación neighbourhood. Ertzaintza officers identified a man conducting a cocaine transaction; when the seller noticed the police presence he fled. From that moment on, continuous surveillance was established which revealed a constant stream of consumers accessing a building entrance and leaving minutes later with the drug.
Investigators located the distribution property, where a couple lived alongside a minor son. They confirmed that three male siblings carried out the sales and surveillance tasks, activities that on occasions were witnessed by the minor. Without apparent employment, those implicated maintained a high standard of living: they owned two high-end vehicles and members of their family circle owned several properties in Vitoria.
The detainees also used a second property in the Casco Viejo and frequently visited a hairdresser in the Coronación neighbourhood.
Search of the properties
In the first property in the Coronación neighbourhood, a 50-year-old man and his partner, a 42-year-old woman, were arrested. Both face charges of continuous offences against public health and membership of a criminal organisation. The man has three previous Ertzaintza investigations for drug trafficking and one for assault; the woman has twenty-two investigations for offences against property.
The search seized approximately 53 grams of narcotic substance, part of which was prepared for sale, and two keys to high-end vehicles that were subsequently seized.
In the second property in the Casco Viejo, a 57-year-old man, brother of the first, and his 44-year-old partner were captured. Both are accused of membership of a criminal organisation and continuous offences against public health. The second man has two previous investigations for drug trafficking and one for offences against property; the woman has ten investigations for offences against property.
During this search, 8,640 euros in cash, over 30 litres of oil presumed to be received stolen goods and a replica firearm were seized.
Third detainee
The third brother, aged 44, was arrested shortly afterwards while walking through the Coronación neighbourhood with the same charges as the other detainees. He has no previous record with the Ertzaintza.
The five arrested individuals were taken to police stations where they will remain pending their appearance before the judicial authorities. The minor son who witnessed part of the activities was placed under the protection of the appropriate social services.
Source: El Confidencial