Police in Spain have revealed insights into a number of their investigations in a popular region of the country loved by Brits. Malaga‘s Policia Nacional launched 13 operations over the past 18 months, resulting in approximately 40 arrests by the Drug and Organised Crime Unit (Udyco). They also seized an unknown quantity of drugs and deadly military-grade weapons, the Olive Press reports.

This comes amid an ongoing battle in the Costa del Sol with shootings, kidnappings, and gang violence. In Marbella, Operation Hawthorn saw three Brits arrested for kidnapping, belonging to a criminal organisation, and illegal arms possession. The trio, with existing criminal records in the UK and Spain, were hunted down in just four hours, with police freeing the victim and seizing two firearms.

Another investigation involving British nationals is Operation Sala in Malaga, sparked when shots were fired at a restaurant in March last year.

Two British men in their 40s were arrested after being indentified within 10 days, with the whole investigation wrapping up within two weeks.

Elsewhere, Operation Torcal in the Costa del Sol involves an ongoing probe into a violent robbery, bodily harm, and arms possession – described as a “high profile” incident.

The incident began with the kidnapping of one Spanish national and two Moroccans. Police currently have two out of five suspects in custody, with arrest warrants out for the remaining three, who are believed to be abroad.

Finally, Operation Falla in Marbella is yet another one that revolved around a shooting. Two victims had nine shots fired at them in February last year, wounding one in the arm and leg.

The main suspect fled Spain the next day, but five people were arrested the following month – four Swedish nationals and one German. The investigation, resolved in a month, recovered a Glock and ammunition.

This comes after a double shooting while expats had been enjoying a drink after the Champions League final on May 31. A masked man is said to have entered Monaghans Bar, in Fuengirola, Andalusia, and killed two men in front of tourists and expats.

The victims were widely named as well-known gangsters Ross Monaghan and Eddie Lyonrs Jr. Just three days on from the horror shooting which easily could have injured employees and tourists, business has resumed to normal.