A joint operation between the City Police and the Civil Guard culminated with inspections at 17 grow shops in Barcelona, with 62 formal reports made for administrative infringements relating to the illegal sale of CBD-derived products. Eight people are being investigated for drug trafficking.
The operation took place on 12 June and mobilised 150 officers from the two corps. The goal was to verify the legality of the products being sold, particularly those containing cannabinoids (CBD), a component of cannabis known as legal marihuana which has no psychoactive effects as it contains no THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
The authorities are keeping the investigation open and do not rule out further action.
Sixty-two formal reports have been made for administrative infringements and eight people are being investigated for drug trafficking.
Inspections were carried out at 17 grow shops during the investigation, devoted to the sale of seeds and CBD-derived products.
The operation required the identification of 37 people, and 62 formal reports were made denouncing administrative infringements relating to contraband, public safety, vegetal health, irregular sale of seeds, incorrect labelling and packaging, wrongful use of video-surveillance systems, misleading advertising and more.
Eight people are being investigated as the presumed authors of a crime against public health for drug trafficking.
Over 21 kilos of marihuana were confiscated, along with 2,249 products with CBD and 19,300 seeds unauthorised for sale.
During the operation, 21 kilos of marihuana were confiscated, along with 2,249 products with CBD (such as vapers, sweets and creams) and 19,300 seeds unauthorised for sale. Likewise, the operation confiscated 125 bags and 15 grammes of hashish, a gramme of cocaine, 4.5 grammes of ketamine and a telescopic defence stick.
The officers also detected everyday objects manipulated to hide substances, such as lighters, cans of drink and sprays, which were taken as evidence.
Products with CBD can only be sold if they meet very strict requisites
According to current regulations, products with CBD can only be sold if they meet some strict requisites; they must contain less that 0.3% THC, the psychoactive component of the plant.
Any level above this percentage of THC means the product is classed as a narcotic substance, entailing criminal liability.
Products must also be correctly labelled and cannot include therapeutical instructions. In addition, oils and other items with CBD for food use are not authorised in Spain.