Officers located and dismantled a total of six security boxes that were allegedly used to hide the narcotic substance and collect money from buyers, as reported by the police force. These devices were easily mistaken for the usual key boxes for holiday rentals, going unnoticed in areas of the city with a high concentration of such properties.
The investigation began following neighborhood reports alerting to suspicious movements and practices around these boxes. While areas with tourist apartments have a constant flow of people, officers verified that some of these devices served an illicit purpose.
The sales method operated via a mobile application. Buyers requested marijuana, and once the substance was placed in the box by the distributor, the customer was provided with the location and the combination to open it. Subsequently, the buyer had to deposit the agreed amount in the same box, thus allowing the transaction without direct contact between the parties.
During a surveillance operation, investigators observed the suspect manipulating one of the security boxes, placing a heat-sealed plastic envelope inside. Shortly after, another person arrived, allegedly to purchase the drugs and deposit the corresponding 30 euros.
Police inquiries led to the identification and arrest of the alleged perpetrator, a 25-year-old man, who has been handed over to judicial authority. The operation successfully dismantled up to six exchange points that were camouflaged among legitimate key boxes, taking advantage of their usual presence in tourist areas of Málaga.
