San Ginés 2026: 12 Arrested and 135 Drug-Related Reports During Lanzarote Celebrations
The annual San Ginés fiestas in Arrecife have ended with a significant police operation resulting in 12 arrests, more than 560 people being identified and 135 reports relating to drug possession or consumption.
The celebrations, which took place in Arrecife, Lanzarote, from 14 to 25 August 2026, attracted large crowds throughout the 12-day programme, with more than 30,000 people attending the biggest concerts and events.
The figures have been released following the conclusion of a special Policía Nacional security operation in Arrecife, which was introduced to help maintain public safety during one of the busiest periods in the capital’s annual calendar.
12 arrests during San Ginés fiestas
According to the police figures, officers made 12 arrests during the San Ginés 2026 security operation.
Five of those arrests were linked to offences against public health, while the remaining cases involved a range of other alleged offences, including gender-based violence, assaulting an officer, resistance, disobedience and injuries.
Police also arrested a person who was subject to an outstanding judicial warrant.
135 reports for drugs
During preventative checks carried out across the San Ginés celebrations in Arrecife, officers identified more than 560 people.
Police issued 135 reports for possession or consumption of narcotic substances, alongside:
- 22 reports relating to possession of weapons
- 4 reports for disrespect towards officers
- 12 arrests
- 6 humanitarian assistance interventions
The police also responded to several fights and disturbances, with officers intervening before the incidents could escalate further.
More than 50 police officers deployed
The scale of the operation reflected the large numbers attending the biggest San Ginés concerts and events in Lanzarote.
At certain points, more than 50 Policía Nacional officers were deployed simultaneously.
The operation involved officers from several specialist units, including the Grupo Operativo de Respuesta, Grupo de Atención al Ciudadano and Policía Judicial. A Unidad de Prevención y Reacción (UPR) was also brought in from Las Palmas to provide additional support.
Large crowds in Arrecife
San Ginés is one of the best-known annual celebrations in Arrecife, Lanzarote, attracting both local residents and visitors.
This year’s largest concerts attracted more than 30,000 people, creating the need for additional policing and preventative security measures around the busiest events.
Despite the number of interventions, the Policía Nacional said the operation allowed the scheduled events to take place safely and highlighted the generally good behaviour of those attending.
For tourists staying in Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, Playa Blanca or elsewhere on Lanzarote, the figures are also a reminder that major island events can bring a substantially increased police presence, particularly in Arrecife.
What does this mean for visitors to Lanzarote?
For most tourists, the San Ginés celebrations remain an opportunity to experience an important part of Lanzarote’s local culture and nightlife.
However, as with any large public event, visitors should be aware that police checks can be more frequent, particularly around concerts and crowded areas.
The latest figures also demonstrate that possession or consumption of illegal drugs can lead to police action, while weapons and disorderly behaviour are also subject to enforcement.
Visitors and residents attending future festivals in Arrecife should therefore take normal precautions, look after personal belongings, stay aware of their surroundings and follow instructions from police and event organisers.
A busy but largely peaceful San Ginés
While the number of police interventions may sound significant, it is important to put the figures into context.
The celebrations attracted tens of thousands of people, and police reported that the events were able to continue safely. Officers dealt with several incidents, carried out preventative checks and provided assistance to members of the public while maintaining a visible presence throughout the festivities.
For Lanzarote residents and tourists, the conclusion of the operation marks the end of another busy San Ginés season in Arrecife.
Source: Policía Nacional figures reported following the conclusion of the San Ginés 2026 security operation.
