La Palma is still fighting to stop the spread of cocaine use across the island and, more recently, the increasing use of heroin.

Statistics revealed by the Civil Guard, National Police and courts show drug trafficking continues to be rife, both by sea and air. They also believe that a large number of immigrants from South America, coupled with a social group of people without jobs and nothing to do, is fostering drug use.

Police are very aware of the routes taken by traffickers to La Palma as the most westerly island of the Canaries and warn they will be ever-vigilant in the war against drug.

Recent prosecutions have included five people sent to prison for running a hashish and cocaine network, with the drugs having been purchased in Santa Cruz and transported to La Palma. Some of it was sent in parcels in the post but also by “human mules” who swallowed capsules. Carriers also came by boat and plane with drugs hidden in their clothes and shoes.

Eighteen arrests were also made amongst a gang who smuggled cocaine into La Palma from Madrid and Bilbao.