Seven people were handcuffed following a large-scale police operation in Barcelona and the surrounding area. Mossos d’Esquadra carried out surprise raids at 14 locations, including Barcelona, Badalona, and Rubí. Authorities seized significant quantities of drugs: 60 kilograms of ecstasy, 10 kilograms of ketamine, 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 1,200 marijuana plants. Police also recovered three firearms and nearly €64,000 in cash.
The operation was the result of an investigation launched back in February. At that time, police noticed suspicious activity in the Sant Andreu area, where it turned out an organized group was based, involved in distributing marijuana and hashish. The investigation revealed that the criminals were not limited to just one neighborhood—they used a network of apartments and houses throughout the metropolitan area for storing, cultivating, and selling illegal substances.
Laboratories and equipment
During the raids, Mossos officers discovered six fully equipped laboratories for growing marijuana. The premises were fitted with high-pressure lamps, screens, transformers, ventilation and air conditioning systems, as well as special devices for weighing and packaging the drugs. All equipment was dismantled and seized.
In addition to marijuana, significant quantities of other drugs were found in the apartments and houses: 18.5 kilograms of marijuana ready for sale, 550 grams of hashish, 550 grams of cocaine, and 300 grams of amphetamines (speed). Two handguns and a sawn-off shotgun with ammunition were also discovered. All the seized cash and six vehicles—including a van, two cars, and three motorcycles—were confiscated.
Structure and logistics
Investigators determined that the gang operated with a clear structure and defined roles. Some members were responsible for cultivating and tending to the plants, others handled packaging and preparing the goods for sale, while a third group managed transportation and distribution. To disguise their criminal activities, regular residential homes and apartments were used, making it difficult to detect the laboratories.
Police note that operations like this require lengthy preparation and coordination between various units. This time, Mossos d’Esquadra succeeded not only in apprehending all suspects, but also in completely dismantling the infrastructure supporting the criminal network.
Further actions
All detainees will soon face trial. They have been charged with organizing a criminal organization, drug trafficking, and possession of weapons. The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests and searches may follow.
Police are urging residents to stay alert and report any suspicious objects or activity in residential areas. According to law enforcement, citizen vigilance often plays a crucial role in solving such crimes.
If you didn’t know, Mossos d’Esquadra is the police force of the autonomous community of Catalonia, with broad authority to maintain order and combat crime. The service, established back in the 18th century, is now considered one of the most effective regional police forces in Spain. Mossos regularly conduct large-scale operations against drug traffickers, robbers, and other criminal groups, using modern technology and investigative methods.
