The incident began on June 23, when a patrol located an abandoned vehicle off the road on the A-92 motorway, near the municipality of Huétor Santillán. Upon inspection, officers found 78 copper bars inside the van, along with cutting tools, road signage, and work clothing belonging to an electrical company.
The vehicle was moved to a tow yard. According to the facility's management, they received persistent calls from individuals attempting to retrieve the van and its cargo, even offering money to avoid police intervention.
In response, a surveillance operation was set up at the site. During the early hours of June 24, officers intercepted three men who arrived in a rental van, intending to access the warehouse where the seized vehicle was stored.
The suspects were unable to provide proof of the legal origin of the copper. Following their arrest, they were brought before the Guardia de Guadix Court, which ordered their release with charges.
