A major police operation has been launched in Barcelona to curb firearms trafficking and associated crimes. The operation by the Mossos d'Esquadra, with the collaboration of the Guardia Urbana and the Policía Nacional, follows two murders that occurred within 72 hours in the city, being investigated as possible settling of scores related to drug trafficking.
Controls have focused on districts such as Sants-Montjuïc, Nou Barris, Sant Andreu, and Sant Martí, with particular attention to areas near the Zona Franca and parts of Sarrià. These actions include the inspection of individuals and premises suspected of harboring short and long firearms.
Police sources indicate an increase in the presence of firearms on the streets, with a higher proportion of handguns compared to the previous year. This trend is directly associated with drug traffickers who use them for protection and to confront rival groups.
Superintendent Rafael Tello, head of the Citizen Security and Proximity Division of the Mossos in Barcelona, highlighted that despite an overall decrease in crime, isolated incidents involving firearms, such as recent homicides, have heightened public feelings of insecurity. The police "saturation" operation aims to counteract this perception.
In total, a dozen shootings have been recorded in the city over the past month, resulting in four deaths and several injuries. Most of these incidents occur as warnings to rival gangs or as settling of scores among criminals, often carried out by professionals who subsequently leave the country.
The operation also aims to dismantle local drug trafficking groups that use these weapons to protect their illegal businesses, such as the trade of marijuana, cocaine, or hashish. Police presence in public spaces is intended to hinder the activities of these groups.
