Retired Chief Inspector Among Three Police Officers Arrested in Tenerife in Major Drug Trafficking and Corruption Scandal

A high-level corruption scandal is unfolding in the Canary Islands as three police officers, including a retired chief inspector, have been arrested in Tenerife. The arrests are part of a large-scale investigation targeting drug trafficking, bribery, and corruption within law enforcement circles across the archipelago.

Eight Suspects Detained in Coordinated Police Operation

In total, eight individuals were detained during the recent operation, which was carried out by the National Police under the direct supervision of its Internal Affairs division. The investigation, which is being overseen by a court based in Arona, remains under strict judicial secrecy, meaning few official details have been made public at this stage.

The arrests mark a significant development in ongoing efforts to dismantle organised crime networks suspected of infiltrating institutions in the Canary Islands, particularly within the security forces.

High-Profile Name Linked to Previous Corruption Case

One of the most prominent figures arrested is Francisco Moar, a retired chief inspector who previously played a key role in the early stages of the Mediator case – a major corruption investigation that drew national attention.

Moar had served as the head of the Provincial Brigade of the Judicial Police in Santa Cruz de Tenerife until his retirement. During the Mediator investigation, he reported the theft of multiple mobile phones believed to contain crucial evidence. His actions were followed by his sudden removal from the case, a move reportedly ordered by the then-provincial commissioner, Luis Felipe San Martín.

A Cloud of Scandal Surrounding Senior Police Figures

The story took another turn when San Martín himself was later suspended over an unrelated accusation of domestic violence, after a fellow officer allegedly discovered a video of the incident on a USB drive. That case remains under separate investigation but highlights the growing cloud of scandal surrounding some of the region’s most senior law enforcement officials.

Charges Include Drug Trafficking, Bribery, and Document Forgery

The ongoing probe is focused on dismantling a suspected criminal network accused of drug trafficking, money laundering, bribery, and forging official documents. Authorities believe this network may have benefited from insider knowledge and protection within the police force.

Of the three police officers now facing criminal charges, one is reportedly still on active duty, while the other two – including Moar – are retired. Their exact roles in the alleged crimes have not been publicly confirmed due to the court-imposed confidentiality.

More Arrests Expected as Inquiry Deepens

Law enforcement sources have indicated that this is likely just the beginning. Additional arrests could follow in the coming weeks as investigators continue to unravel the full extent of the corruption.

Authorities have declined to release further information, citing the sensitive and ongoing nature of the judicial investigation. However, this case is already being described by insiders as one of the most serious breaches of police integrity in recent Canarian history.

🔒 Confidential sources suggest that one of the arrested individuals is a resident of Cho, a locality in southern Tenerife, raising further questions about the depth and reach of the network.