Turkish Mafia Network Dismantled in Arms and Drug Trafficking Operation with Mataró Links

A joint operation by Mossos, National Police, and Europol resulted in 21 arrests and the seizure of 'Frankenstein' weapons.

Generic image of confiscated firearms and drugs from a police operation.
IA

Generic image of confiscated firearms and drugs from a police operation.

A large-scale police operation, coordinated by the Mossos d'Esquadra, the National Police, and Europol, has dismantled a Turkish criminal network involved in arms trafficking, drug dealing, and money laundering, with a key arrest made in Mataró.

The extensive operation, which began on March 23, has provided detailed insight into the workings of this international organization. The investigation, initiated in March 2025, uncovered the illegal introduction of firearms from Turkey, subsequently distributed to criminal groups across Catalonia.
The police action culminated in a total of 21 arrests across various locations in Catalonia, Andalusia, and Bulgaria. Among those apprehended is the network's leader, captured in Sofia, who was considered a high-value target by European authorities. In Catalonia, 14 arrests were made, including one in Mataró, at a time when the organization was undergoing significant expansion.

The constant availability of weaponry increased the firepower of criminal organizations and contributed to a rise in armed violence.

The network acquired weapons in the Balkans and Turkey, smuggling them into Europe using trucks and vehicles equipped with hidden compartments. Once in the territory, these weapons circulated within criminal networks and were often used as currency in drug operations, particularly involving marijuana. A significant concern for investigators is the use of hybrid weapons, dubbed 'Frankenstein' weapons, which combine original parts with artisan-made metal structures, facilitating their widespread distribution across Europe due to their low cost and high functionality.
Concurrently, the organization was heavily involved in drug trafficking. Evidence shows it had the infrastructure to acquire large quantities of marijuana in Catalonia and Málaga, for export to Turkey and other countries like Greece. The routes combined land and sea transport, and investigators estimate the network's capacity reached one and a half tons of marijuana per month.
The Mossos emphasize the dangerous nature of the network's members, some of whom have a history of violent crimes in Turkey. During the operation, seven semi-automatic pistols, one military-grade weapon, silencers, and sound suppressors were seized. Additionally, 587.56 kilograms of marijuana and 76.54 kilograms of hashish were confiscated, with an estimated illicit market value of 4.4 million euros.