Devil's Crossroads: No-one said it would be easy. Page 6

  Steve, “He’s doing very well or he is in a lot of shit like he says.”

  Sarah, “Why is it called CB Quality motors?”

  “I though you would have worked it out, Trigger in fools and horses, his name is Colin Ball, that’s Triggers name”

  “Oh yes, dead easy.”

  They continued south on the Autovia del Mediterraneo passing through Marbella before re-joining the AP7 and circumnavigating Estepona before arriving in Gibraltar. It was now a bright warm winters day with a slight cool breeze coming in from Strait, the jackets were off, they looked like the typical British tourist, they stopped at the Angry Frier bar on Main Street and ordered a roast beef dinner. After the meal, Sarah had one thing on her mind, M&S underwear. Steve decided to have a walk around the port and would meet back at the bar in an hour. As usual Steve was back on time, he ordered a white coffee and a bottle of sparkling water and took a seat at a table outside, under a large white sun shade and people watched. Steve had just ordered a second drink, cola light, when Sarah emerged carrying 3 M&S paper bags and a Morrison’s bag for life, she had a large smile on her face as usual. Apparently, Sarah had got herself some real bargains, having spent a considerable sum and a bag of assorted pasties for Steve, he was thrilled. Fortunately, his mobile activated, it was the Guardia Liaison officer Ivan Sanchez with the confirmation of the operation time for Wednesday and instructions where the briefing would take place. Steve finished his drink, paid his bill and they took a taxi to where the car had been parked. Sarah had replenished the fresh water and juice when in the supermarket and purchased two packets of malted brown sliced bread sandwiches from M&S for the return journey.

  It took 2 hours for the return journey to the hotel, they went to their separate rooms and arranged to meet in the hotel gym before going for the evening meal. The evening was as expected, quiet, over the meal and a few drinks it was clear to see that Sarah was excited about her first inclusion, even as an observer of a police operation. Steve being probably over cautious, constantly reminded Sarah, not to get involved, not to go too close unless invited by the officers’ present, she could fully understand his concerns and promised she would stay behind the Operation team. They had watched videos of previous successful operations, so she did have an idea what to expect. They had an early night in preparation for an early start.

  The alarms activated at 04:00, Sarah was already awake, they both dressed the same, black insulated bomber style jackets, over black polo shirts, black NATO trousers and black boots, it was cold, they carried black woollen beanie hats and black leather gloves.

  04:30 Steve knocked on the door, Sarah was waiting, she picked up her black leather document carrier she had brought with her from Newcastle City Crime team and together they walked into the car park, Steve drove to the Guardia Headquarters in Malaga which was only 5 kilometres.

  After passing security at the gate, they were directed to the briefing room and were met on arrival by the only face they knew, Sergento Primero, Ivan Sanchez, he would be on operation 2 today with Sarah and Steve. Sergento Manuel Vidal would be working on team 1. The headquarters was like a military base, not the type of police offices Sarah had worked in before but very similar to the headquarters in Panama Steve reflected.

  The room was filling prior to the briefing time of 05:00, Sarah was taken aback by the size of the Guardia officers, they were big, every one of them, heavily armed with SIG assault rifles, H&K MP5 submachine guns, SIG Sauer 226 combat pistols and two were carrying H&K PSG-1 sniper rifles. The briefings for each operation were in separate rooms, briefing 1, was involving a Polish national in Calahonda, briefing 2 involved a British National in El Faro. Ivan brought 2 black tactical helmets with OBS white markings which they tried on, Sarah was now feeling concerned and excited, the helmets fit well. The door was closed, the briefing presentation commenced with a full roll call, including Sarah and Steve; it was explained they were observers but they could assist when it was safe with any translation that was needed. The briefing was given by Brigada Bernado Cristian Cuéllar, he started by saluting those present who all responded with a salute, they all were wearing the same black uniform.

  The projector flashed an image onto the white board, Operacion Limpieza de Pantano 3 (Clean the Swamp 3), the second image was a white male; Trigger. Steve could feel Sarah tugging at his left sleeve, he ignored her and listened to the briefing that he could understand. Sarah listened intently, taking it all in, no notes could be written at this time. Trigger was involved in the movement of large quantities of cocaine, heroin, hashish and other controlled drugs, as well as high value stolen property from robberies and burglaries on the Costa del Sol and the movement of high value stolen vehicles from across Europe and Africa.

  The operation was intended to facilitate the arrest of Colin Ball at his home address, by scaling the perimeter walls using ladders, forcing entrance to the house whilst protecting all exit routes and detaining any persons in the house. It was not intended to arrest his wife and children at the time unless other circumstances dictated, they should do. On arrest of the suspect a thorough search of the property was to be made and all items of interest seized. It was explained that Colin Ball did not have natural legs and he should be allowed to use the prosthetic legs he had.

  Brigado Cuéllar continued through the details in the responsibilities of each officer involved, those carrying the ladders and then keeping observation on the aspects of the house from the front view, (White), back (Black), right (Red) and left (Green). The officers responsible for the security of the front vehicle gates. When all were in position the commander, Sergento Primero Sanchez, would lead his team over the ladders at black aspect and in line make their way to the rear door, officers would make their way to the three other exit doors identified to stop any exits. The officer was identified to carry the heavy steel door ram. When all officers were in position an entry would be forced and they should make themselves identified. Use force if needed.

  An observation unit was in situation at the Car sales premises in Fuengirola and had been there overnight. It was locked and there was no activity at the premises. They would execute their powers and seize control of the property and vehicles once the house had been entered.

  The briefing was ended, the Guardia made their way to the vans waiting for the short transport to the subjects’ house. Ivan escorted Steve and Sarah to a large black communications van and introduced them to the staff in the vehicle and left to join his strike team. They took their seats and strapped themselves in to the comfortable ergonomic designed chairs, specially designed for long periods in the seating position. The van was full of communications technology and tv screens, within minutes the convoy was on its way to wake up Trigger and his family, with a bang.

  Chapter 8

  Wednesday 1st February 2017

  The Convoy was moving at speed, Sarah and Steve were alone in the back of the communications van, the camera and the radio operator were now the driver and front passenger in the front of the vehicle.

  Sarah spoke quietly, “What do we do Steve, this is going to be bad, I feel bad, the last thing he said was it would be great to see you but don’t bring the Guardia.”

  Steve, “I’ve said it loads of times, no-one said it would be easy, it’s the job, it’s the unexpected problems it brings but you’ve got to be true to yourself and the law. If he’s done all of this shit, he deserves what he gets but if there is mitigating circumstances, intimidation, fear, like he told us, who knows”

  “Why do you think he told us, when he’s involved like he is?”

  “Now, you’re thinking like a polis. He has known this was coming when he’s mentioned it, little digs at the Guardia. I don’t doubt he wants out, he’s worried and scared for his family, he’s timed it badly, if he gets a decent jail term, they might leave him and his family alone. He would still be worth talking to though.”

  Sarah asked, “He’s your mate, you two were hugging, crying together, before the footy match. What are you going to do?”

  “I can’t do anything now, let’s see how it pans out and see if we, I, can do anything later. For the time being, say nowt.”

  The van stopped, the camera monitor and the comms operators took their seats adjacent to Sarah and Steve. The Operation commander requested position check, in sequence they reported in position overlooking their aspect and front gates. The television screens flickered in to life, the officer last in line was recording the entry which was showing on the screen.

  05:55 they climbed the ladder in darkness then dropped silently on to the tiled floor next to the swimming pool. They were all wearing soft rubber souled boots for a stealth approach, walking on the sides of the feet not to disturb pebbles and stones. They moved forward each time the next in line was in position, they all had their Sig assault rifles in the ready position, the heavy steel door buster was passed to the front, then the line silently moved in unison watched by covering officers on ladders overlooking the wall for any movement from inside the house. The camera operator stepped out of line slightly to record the entry, the door was protected by a white metal sliding gate, there was silence in the suburbs. Ivan looked at his watch, he waited, 06:00, “Go.”

  The first swing of the steel block took the gate of its hinges, the second swing took the locks off the door and it swung back with a crashing noise, the line entered at speed, knowing exactly what their responsibility was, first four ran upstairs taking two at a time towards the bedroom, shouting, "Guardia Civil, Guardia, Guardia.” their Sig weapons ready to fire at any hint of danger, next five spread out downstairs taking a room each and shouting “Clear” the camera operator stood with the camera and his Sig weapon at the point of entry, no one leaves. The first two entered the master bedroom with the torch on their weapons illuminated and found Ball, sitting up with his hands above his head, next to him was a person under the quilt and bedding but showing the hands on the pillow. They switched the lights on and Ball was blinking at the sudden change of brightness. Ivan, was at the end of the bed looking towards the two figures, he saluted towards Ball and said in English “Good morning Sir, I am Sergento Ivan Fidel Sanchez, we are the Guardia, we have a warrant for your arrest and to search this premises, is your wife wearing night clothes? If so, I need her to show herself to me.”

  “I need to see my kids.”

  “As soon as I have checked your wife and this room is safe you can see your children.”

  The bedding was pushed back and his wife Laura sat up but kept the sheet wrapped around her naked body.

  The Guardia officers made a quick but thorough search of the bed for any weapons by touch, being careful not to touch Laura, there was none found. Ivan shouted an instruction and the two children a boy of 10 and a girl 8 years entered the room, looking extremely scared and jumped into the bed with their parents and climbed under the bedding.

  The camera operator had slowly walked up the stairs and into the master bedroom, the recording would be used to confirm the actions on the day and record the lawful activity of the officers, any incidents that may occur, or evidence of any offences. On the screen in front of Sarah and Steve sat Trigger, bare chested with his hands still in the air, one officer was handing him his prosthetic legs, next to Trigger was Laura, Steve hadn’t seen her for over 12 years, her hands were in front of her clutching the sheet above her breasts, they could see the outline of the children under the bedding. A woman officer entered the room and waited. Trigger attached his legs, he was handed his clothing which was folded on a chair, he dressed and stood up with his hands in front, he knew what to expect, he had handcuffs placed around his wrists, he was compliant, he was no threat, they walked slowly downstairs followed by the camera and the other male officers into the living room where he took a seat on the large cream leather sofa, after a few minutes he was joined by Laura and the two children, Frank and Chelsea. Once the building was secure, they brought in the tools for the search, a drugs dog, metal detector, infrared lamps, ladders, and bags.

  Sarah had been very impressed at the military precision of the operation, then her heart sunk. Ivan asked for them both to go into the house, still wearing the helmet, it felt for her as if she was walking to the gallows, worried about having to face Trigger and his young family. Steve knew she was struggling with her emotions; he was but it was the job.

  They were met outside of the open front door by Ivan, the other officers were continuing the search of the property or maintaining control of the house occupants.

  Steve spoke first, “That was a very impressive operation, excellent team you have.”

  Ivan, “We have done several and the team is well drilled, this was an easy one, we didn’t expect problems but you always have to be prepared,” he was looking at Sarah who couldn’t hide her concern from showing on her face, “Are you okay Sarah?”

  “Yes, I’m fine, it was a great experience for me being involved, even just being the observer in the van, thank you.”

  Steve, “Sarah is concerned and I am, the man you have arrested, Ball, he was the informant that we met just over a week ago and I have to tell you he is an ex-army colleague and still is a friend of mine.”

  Ivan, “I can understand your concern but the job is done and he is arrested now.”

  Steve, “I fully understand, we are now thinking that he took the opportunity to tell us when he did because he was expecting this to happen, or likely to be killed by others, he wanted out. He did not explain how much he was involved, obviously a lot more than he told us.”

  Ivan, “Do you not want to be seen now, I can understand?”

  Sarah was wanting to say that’s a good idea but Steve spoke first, “We have come here at your invitation and I want to continue with the operation, we cannot make any better of the situation but I’ve never pulled back on a job and I’m not starting now, Sarah feels the same.”

  Ivan, “Okay, I will take you into the room where they are being detained.” He led the way through the short hallway and into the lounge closely followed by Steve and Sarah, there was a silence as they stopped and were looking at Trigger, who was watching the other officers searching the room. “Mr. Ball” was enough to get his attention, he turned in his chair and was looking directly at Steve and Sarah, he got the impression that Sarah was about to cry, it appeared that the helmet was dragging her head down.

  “It’s ok Sarah, this is my problem, not yours.”

  Laura was looking at Steve, “Is that you, Steve, Steve Bond?” Steve nodded, then turning to Trigger, “Who the fuck is Sarah?”

  “It’s a long story, for later, okay.”

  Ivan, “Mrs. Ball perhaps you could take the children into the kitchen area, maybe make some breakfast while we explain some things to your husband.”

  Trigger, “I’m sorry darling, it will be okay, well you and the kids will be okay, do as the Guardia say.” Laura took the children into the kitchen and took orders for coffee from the officers continuing the search. Ivan closed the door and the three took a comfortable seat near to Trigger, Ivan informed Trigger that a search was currently underway at his car showroom, a full financial enquiry was being conducted, enquiries had been ongoing for several months leading up to his arrest this morning.

  Steve, “We came down here like you suggested to get a feel for the area, a reccy (recognisance) of various places that we didn’t’ know and were invited to come on the operation this morning. It wasn’t until your name came up at the briefing that we knew it was you.”

  “It’s okay mate, we’re still mates, yeah,” Steve nodded, “don’t worry about it, try and cheer up Sarah you look like shit, I know you two haven’t grassed me up, I know who has, but that’s for later. I’m saying fuck all for now, you lot have got your job to do, I’ve got to look after myself and the family, will you help me out there Steve, if I’m locked up, I might need some help, okay.”

  Steve, “I’ll see what I can do to help mate, Laura is looking well and good-looking kids, must have a handsome milkman.”

  Trigger gave a little laugh, “Cheeky twat, she can have who she wants now, I’ll be no good for her for a long time.”

  Sarah, “I’m sorry Trigger.”

  “You have got fuck all to be sorry for Sarah, just do your job. Right, I’m saying fuck all now until I see my brief.” He sat back into his chair.

  Trigger was confident there was nothing in the house other than cash which could be explained through his business, he would never have anything that would be harmful to the kids in the house. The business premises was another problem and where his concerns were, he had to wait to hear what had been uncovered.

  After over two hours of searching the house, Trigger gave Laura and the kids hugs and kisses, then he was taken from his home, leaving the family in tears. He was taken to Malaga Police Station and detained in a cell awaiting his interview. Ivan together with Steve, Sarah and three officers travelled to assist in the ongoing search at the business premises, the car showroom, workshop, offices and compound.