In a troubling series of events along the Costa del Sol, a criminal gang has been linked to at least 13 attacks on pharmacies over a span of three months. These robberies, which saw hooded suspects armed with tools likely stolen from local fire stations, included breaking through doors or shattering windows to steal cash registers. After each heist, the thieves would escape in stolen vehicles, managing to evade capture during their swift operations.
The police first became aware of the gang in February, following the initial robbery of a chemist’s shop. The situation escalated quickly, with four pharmacies targeted within a single week in May. Notable locations included Puerto de la Torre, Carretera de Cádiz, Churriana in Malaga, and San Pedro Alcántara in Marbella. The last robbery in this rapid succession occurred at 4:30 AM on May 6, when a shop owner discovered the shattered glass of his pharmacy, and the theft of the smart cash register had already taken place. That same night, thieves also broke into a local fire station to acquire additional tools for future heists.
The most recent incident occurred on May 29, at a pharmacy on Camino de Los Prados in Malaga city. Although an alarm was triggered during this robbery, the police were unable to arrive in time to apprehend the suspects.
The ongoing investigation revealed that the criminals were from Bulgaria and that they utilized stolen vehicles, including two BMWs and a Peugeot 5008, to conduct their operations. Notably, it was suspected that they may have employed devices to evade police tracking systems. The gang’s methodical approach to the robberies and their efforts to protect their identities suggested a high level of organization and experience, as they were believed to have prior criminal records in Spain.
Tragically, while police coordinated efforts to capture the suspects, a devastating incident occurred when the thieves attempted to flee following a robbery. During this evasion, they collided with the vehicle of Officer Antonio Ramos, who was returning home from work. Both cars caught fire in the crash, resulting in the deaths of all four individuals involved.
This series of pharmacy heists underscores pressing concerns over public safety and highlights the need for ongoing vigilance and effective law enforcement strategies to combat such organized crime in the region. Despite the dark turn of events, investigators remain committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice, reinforcing the community’s hope for safety and security in the face of adversity.