The Guardia Civil has said it has dismantled in Cantabria an alleged criminal group suspected of forcing women into prostitution, dealing drugs and unlawfully occupying homes. In Operación Pucero 27 people were arrested in Cantabria; a further person is under investigation in the province of Valencia . Five defendants are in pre-trial detention by court order.
According to the Guardia Civil, officers searched several homes and properties at twelve locations in Cantabria. A further operation took place in the municipality of Chiva in the province of Valencia. Investigators seized cash, drugs and documents. According to the authorities, they confiscated cannabis flowers from an indoor facility, as well as cocaine and hashish. They also dismantled a technical installation for growing cannabis, together with its own energy supply.
According to the investigation so far, at least four foreign women have been identified who were allegedly recruited in their countries of origin with false promises and forced into prostitution in Cantabria. The alleged victims were handed over to specialist services, according to the authorities, and are receiving protection and support. The authorities say the arrested individuals are accused of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation, drug trafficking as well as the unlawful occupation of properties. They are also suspected of document forgery and fraud involving utility services.
The investigation is being overseen by the competent investigating courts in Santoña. Searches and orders for pre-trial detention require judicial authorisation; the Guardia Civil carries out the operational measures and secures evidence. The term commonly used in Spain, Okupation, which the authorities use, refers to the unauthorised occupation of flats or houses.
The latest update clarifies arrests in the same case that had been reported since the end of September. The figures now released indicate the scale of the network and its regional base in Cantabria, with an offshoot in Valencia. The names of those arrested and further details about the seized goods have not yet been released. The Guardia Civil stresses that analysis of the network’s size and financial structure is still pending. The judicial investigation remains open; further measures are possible. The information is based on announcements of 23 October 2026 and consistent reports in regional media.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).