British Teenagers Arrested in Spain with Arsenal, Allegedly Planned Drug Heist

Three British teenagers were arrested on Spain's Costa del Sol on September 21 after authorities uncovered an arsenal of weapons and alleged plans to steal drugs from a criminal gang. The group, consisting of two 17-year-olds and one 18-year-old, had amassed five semi-automatic pistols, machetes, baseball bats, clown masks, and face masks.

Spanish authorities launched an investigation in July after a car, reported stolen in Portugal and equipped with cloned Swedish license plates, was tracked to a parking lot in Marbella's Puerto Banus. Police observed weapons and disguises within the vehicle, which they believe was used to store drugs. Investigators noted that the suspects wore gloves and covered their heads while handling the car.

The teenagers were also reportedly seen selling drugs and frequented cannabis clubs. During raids on two houses, police seized 827 grams of ketamine, 670 grams of a substance identified as tusi, 52 grams of MDMA, and 425 ecstasy tablets. Additionally, €21,975, £410, and $100 in cash were confiscated.

Authorities suspect Swedish gangs may have supplied the weapons, and the quantity seized raised concerns about a planned drug robbery. The group, including two brothers, had prior records for fights and assaults. The father of one of the youths is believed to have a criminal record in the UK related to organized crime.

The 18-year-old suspect has been remanded in custody, while the two 17-year-olds have been placed in a juvenile detention center. The Costa del Sol has long been a challenging area for law enforcement due to sophisticated drug trafficking operations utilizing drones, radar, and high-speed boats.