Spanish authorities have discovered a major arsenal linked to the Kinahan cartel but are baffled as to why the gang abandoned it.
The haul, described as one of the biggest ever found on the Costa del Sol, was found in an apartment where it had been discarded and left unguarded for more than six months.
It was seized in May last year when the organised crime unit of the National Police raided the property in a housing estate in Estepona as part of Operation Rambo following a tip-off.
The haul comprised of 30 pistols, eight submachine guns, 12 shotguns, two revolvers, 15 silencers, eight hacksaws and 30 balaclavas, as well as tracking devices and ammunition. All of the guns had their serial numbers erased.
Further inquiries revealed the property, rented by two foreigners using false documentation, had been abandoned since at least the previous November.
The tenants, who had been paying rent faithfully for several months up until that point, suddenly stopped and also ceased settling their utility bills.
A source revealed: “These guys were gone long before police moved in and they never returned. The guns are considerably more difficult to acquire than a large haul of drugs and therefore far more valuable.
“If a big shipment of drugs is seized, they’ll be out of pocket, but they can order another one to cover the loss.”
The DNA of a known member of the cartel was found on one of the weapons and police are currently hunting him. However, detectives are stumped over why the two men abruptly ran out on the arsenal, which would have been difficult and expensive to compile.
