Almería police arrest theft suspect in Vícar and bust rural drug network in Vélez‑Rubio

In Vícar, the civil guard and local police carried out Operation Chepe, detaining a man accused of up to 37 property crimes—including 33 vehicle break‑ins, three assaults on pedestrians, and one act of vandalism. The arrest followed a victim’s report of a violent robbery, leading authorities to locate and apprehend the suspect, who now faces charges before the Almería Court of Instruction.

In the nearby municipality of Vélez‑Rubio, a coordinated raid dubbed Operation ELVEZ resulted in the arrest of four individuals operating a small‑scale drug distribution point. Police seized cocaine, methamphetamine, hashish, marijuana, €860 in cash and a cache of weapons, and placed one suspect in pre‑trial detention. Both actions were part of broader efforts to curb organized crime and improve public safety in the province.