The Criminal Investigation Division (DIC) of the Mossos d'Esquadra, in collaboration with the National Police, has concluded an operation against arms and ammunition trafficking, leading to the arrest of nine individuals and the location of two significant arms depots. The operation, the result of a six-month investigation, has confirmed the activities of a criminal organization led from prison.
The investigation, initiated in January of this year and concluded on July 7th, uncovered a network that operated on a commission basis. The police operation involved a dozen searches in homes across towns such as Badia, Montcada i Reixac, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Canovelles, Piera, Reus, and El Pla del Penedès. One search was conducted in the cell of the main suspect, who was already incarcerated.
Five men and four women, aged between 20 and 48, have been arrested. The DIC's investigation coincided with another by the National Police targeting an arms and ammunition supplier and criminal groups from other regions, which led to the formation of a Joint Investigation Team.
During the searches, two properties containing a large cache of firearms were discovered. In a joint entry, 38 Glock-style pistols, 140 projectiles, and cash were seized. In a second property, investigators found a war weapon, specifically a rocket launcher, a revolver, four shotguns, two bulletproof vests, a ballistic shield, and approximately a thousand rounds of ammunition of various calibers. Other items found included revolvers, blank-firing guns, magazines, a Taser device, and an inert hand grenade, along with 12,000 euros in cash and mobile devices.
Six of the nine detainees were brought before the court on July 9th, facing charges related to membership in a criminal organization and possession, storage, and trafficking of firearms. The investigation remains open, and further arrests are not ruled out.
