Madrid Police Intercept Major Drug Shipment in Puente de Vallecas
Madrid, May 6 – A police pursuit in the early hours of yesterday morning through the streets of Madrid’s Puente de Vallecas district culminated in the discovery of 600 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a stolen SUV and the arrest of one of the alleged individuals involved in the operation, according to police sources.
The incident occurred around 6:15 AM yesterday when a patrol from the Madrid Municipal Police observed two high-end vehicles-an Audi A6 and a Land Rover Range Rover-driving parallel and their drivers conversing in the Arroyo del Olivar and Pedro Laborde area of Puente de Vallecas. The suspicious behavior of both cars drew the attention of officers, as the area is known for drug-related crimes.
High-Speed Pursuit Through Madrid Streets
Upon checking the Range Rover’s license plate, police detected irregularities and signaled the driver to stop. Instead of complying, the SUV made an abrupt U-turn and began a high-speed escape through several district streets, running red lights and endangering other drivers and pedestrians.
The chase extended along Pablo Neruda Avenue, Albufera Avenue, and several roads near the M-40. According to police sources, the vehicle was driving without lights, performing zigzag maneuvers, and reckless overtakes. Officers observed that the car appeared to be carrying a heavy load in the rear, as the suspension was noticeably low, and the vehicle barely swayed on curves.
Suspects Abandon Vehicle, One Arrested
Finally, the Land Rover entered San Claudio Street against traffic. Shortly after, the two occupants abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Police managed to intercept and arrest one of them at the junction of Luis Buñuel and Gerardo Diego streets, while the second individual escaped. The arrested suspect is a 32-year-old Spanish man residing in Huelva.
During a search of the detained individual, officers found three mobile phones, 500 euros, and several notes suggesting the possible existence of a “pilot car,” presumably the Audi A6 that had been accompanying the fleeing SUV.
Upon inspecting the abandoned Range Rover, police discovered numerous large packages consistent with “drug bales” in the back seats and trunk. Additionally, a long rifle was found in the passenger seat, and its status and potential loading are being analyzed by forensic police specialists.
Stolen Vehicle and Ongoing Investigation
Further checks revealed that the vehicle had false license plates and had been previously stolen. Sources close to the investigation indicate that 600 kilograms of cocaine, distributed in various pressed packages, were found inside the SUV. Agents from the GOIT of the National Police also participated in dismantling the car.
The drugs were seized and transported to police facilities for analysis. The investigation remains open to locate the fugitive and determine the origin and destination of the drugs, as well as the possible involvement of more individuals in a drug trafficking network.
Source: https://www.elmundo.es/madrid/2026/05/06/69fbadc921efa0c2358b459d.html
