The head of the DIC in the Girona Police Region, Carles Martínez, explained that the "criminal footprint" of these gangs extends to companies with "normal" operations that are attracted by the large amounts of money they handle. These organizations, mainly dedicated to the cultivation and distribution of marijuana, quickly diversify their crimes towards arms or human trafficking once their infrastructure is established.
“"If there are so many legal companies that live off marijuana, it means that it suits them well that there is marijuana."
The primary concern for the Mossos is not only the associated violent acts, such as 'narco-assaults', but the systemic impact of illicit money. Martínez pointed out that the "corrupting capacity" of drugs is a much more serious problem that directly affects the police and other public bodies, jeopardizing the normal functioning of institutions.
As an example of this problem, the case of four Mossos from the Santa Coloma de Farners police station is recalled; they were sentenced to between nine and ten years in prison for diverting seized drugs and reintroducing them into the market. The establishment of these criminal groups in the Girona counties is due to the region's strategic location.
The sub-inspector concluded that Girona's proximity to the border with France, the high volume of tourism, and the existence of many fast routes make the region an ideal geographical enclave for organizations seeking to transport drugs, especially to northern Europe, where they are sold at higher prices.
