Flamenco Star Rafael Amargo Arrested For Drug Smuggling

The world of Spanish flamenco is reeling today from the overnight announcement of the arrest of one of the country´s most famous and widely recognised flamenco dancers for  drug trafficking and belonging to a criminal group.

Flamenco dancer and choreographer Rafael Amargo, 45, was arrested by the Spanish National Police and placed under custody at the Leganitos police station located in the Central District of  Madrid yesterday, 1st December.

Rafael Amargo, the dancer (@rafaelamargo/Newsflash)

His arrest comes as a shock as he is one of the most widely recognised dancers in the world of flamenco, winning several awards and accolades since his debut at the age of 16 in 1997.

According to local Spanish media, Amargo is suspected of belonging to a criminal organisation which specialised in trafficking methamphetamine.

There are conflicting reports as to how many further arrests were conducted with many local sources reporting four others.

However, local newspaper ABC reported that there were three other arrests which included the famous dancer’s partner and his producer and claimed that Amargo was at the top level of the criminal group.

No further information has been given on the investigation as it remains open and police are still conducting searches. It is unclear if they plan to make future arrests.

Amargo was set to debut his latest work entitled ‘Yerma’ at the Teatro La Latina in the Spanish capital tomorrow (3 December).

Teatro La Latina is one of the most important stages of theatre in the country of the 20th century.

Amargo first became popular after his major success of his work entitled ‘Amargo’ at the ‘Teatro Bellas Artes’ (Theatre of Fine Arts) in Madrid in 1999. He has since been awarded numerous prizes including the Premios Max de las Artes Escénicas, Medalla de Oro al Mérito en las Bellas Artes and the Medalla de Andalucía as well as debuted several shows which have taken him to the top of the flamenco world.

 

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