A drugs gang operating on Gran Canaria had set up a 24-hour “cocaine supermarket”.

In an operation codenamed “Tower”, police arrested 18 people, 15 of them Spanish, one from Romania, a Swede and a Moroccan.

They believe the network was one of the most active on the island and had even resorted to mapping out the movements and headquarters of other dealers and then stole drugs from them.

Four drug supermarkets were raided, cocaine and other narcotic substances seized, together with a mock firearm, phones and various effects. Four high-class cars were also impounded and 22,000 euros in cash.

The drugs were sold in various locations around the island, including Las Palmas and prime tourist sites in the south.

Police said members of the gang would interchange their roles to try and avoid detection. They also kept guard on the drug supermarkets, the main one being in the capital which was operated on eight hour shifts.