The Second Section of the Provincial Court of Tarragona has issued a verdict against the three individuals, who were responsible for the illegal plantation. This was located in the Mussara area, within the protected natural space of the Muntanyes de Prades, a site of community importance and a Special Area of Conservation included in the Natura 2000 Network.

Despite the conviction for drug cultivation, the accused have been acquitted of the crimes of causing serious damage to natural resources and belonging to a criminal group. The sentence does not rule on the possible substitution of the prison sentence for expulsion from the country.

The plantation, dismantled by the Mossos d'Esquadra on September 23, 2024, consisted of 1,800 plants distributed in 10 terraces. For its creation, holm oaks and pines were cut down and uprooted, altering the natural environment. Those responsible for the plantation had tents and cooking utensils on the same farm.

From the seized plants, an estimated 4.22 kilograms of marijuana could have been extracted, with an estimated value of 26,417 euros. The affected area is also a special protection zone for birds, including two endangered species of Bonelli's eagle, although no serious harm to their nesting was proven.

The investigation began following an anonymous call reporting the possible plantation. Officers confirmed the information and accessed the farm via the only existing path, created by the cultivators themselves. The accused told the Mossos that they were working for another person and that it was the third harvest carried out at this location.