Sixteen arrested in police raids on weapons for drugs gang

POLICE have broken up a gang of arms traffickers accused of selling weapons for drugs in Malaga.

The arsenal seized included four grenade launchers, a machine gun and an AK-47 assault rifle.

The arms were exchanged in the Malaga province for drugs which were then sent to the Netherlands, according to the Guardia Civil.

Police have revealed details of the operation, codenamed Rocket, after surveillance lasting more than a year.

In all, 16 people have been arrested in raids on homes and properties in Mijas, Marbella and Estepona.

Several vehicles and 10kg of marijuana and cocaine were also seized.

A link with terrorist groups was ruled out by police who initially found weapons wrapped in Dutch newsprint.

After investigations lasting more than a year a joint Guardia Civil taskforce swooped, made up of officers from Malaga, Sevilla and Madrid.