The Guardia Civil has arrested a 53-year-old man in Ibiza who had been wanted since December 2025 in connection with a major investigation into an alleged drug-trafficking organisation.

The arrest took place on Thursday, September 24, as part of Operation CAVALIERI, an investigation led by the Guardia Civil's Territorial Judicial Police team in Ibiza into a criminal organisation suspected of introducing large quantities of drugs into the Balearic Islands.

The man had been the subject of a search and arrest order after remaining at large since December 2025, when investigators were unable to locate him.

Fugitive located in Ibiza

According to the Guardia Civil, investigators had maintained an active line of enquiry to locate several people who remained wanted in connection with the organisation.

As part of those efforts, officers located the 53-year-old man in Ibiza and arrested him during the morning of September 24.

He is initially being investigated for an alleged offence of drug trafficking linked to the organisation's activities.

The arrest does not establish criminal guilt. The investigation and any subsequent judicial proceedings will determine the legal responsibility of those involved.

Operation CAVALIERI

The arrest forms part of Operation CAVALIERI, a wider investigation into an organisation suspected of operating large-scale drug-trafficking routes.

According to information released by the authorities, the investigation has involved routes between South America, mainland Spain and Ibiza.

The wider operation has so far resulted in 26 arrests, with authorities reporting the seizure of 1,558 kilograms of cocaine and almost 11 tonnes of hashish.

The Spanish Government previously described the organisation as being established in Ibiza and said it operated through maritime routes between South America, the Spanish mainland and the island.

More arrests could follow

The investigation remains open, with investigators continuing to search for other people who are still wanted in connection with the alleged organisation.

The latest arrest therefore represents a further development in an investigation that has already led to significant drug seizures and numerous arrests.

Authorities have not indicated that the case is closed.

Investigation continues

The Guardia Civil continues to investigate the alleged activities of the organisation and the role attributed to the people under investigation.

The latest detainee will now face the corresponding judicial process. Any further criminal responsibility will have to be established through that process rather than inferred from the arrest itself.