Spanish police have arrested a Dutch couple who sold drug-impregnated snacks and sweets online, Spanish media reported at the weekend.

The couple allegedly headed a gang of 15 people who were all apprehended. They were based on the Costa del Sol and also owned fitness centres in Fuengirola, Mijas, and Estepona.

Police said the snacks and sweets were bought in the Netherlands or imported from Asian countries, including China. They were then impregnated or sprayed with synthetic drugs, such as cannabinoid THC.

The method makes it difficult to control the amount of drugs, which makes the sweets extra dangerous for children and teens, broadcaster Antena 3 said.

The gang used numerous rented premises to store the doctored goods and changed cars frequently to evade detection.

The couple sold the products online via several companies they had founded and which traded legitimately. A tip-off from Belgian police alerted Spanish police.

Police estimate the couple, which lived a lavish lifestyle on the Spanish coast, earned at least €1.5 million from the trade. Police raided some seven properties and confiscated 12,000 bags of impregnated wine gums and snacks, 281 vapes containing liquid cannabis and 49 packets of cocaine.

Police also sequestered Spanish bank accounts worth €620,000, real estate worth €1.5 million and several luxury cars.