Officers from the Seprona unit discovered a cold storage room filled with bundles of the ornamental plant in an industrial estate in Reus. The criminal network allegedly exported the material to central Europe, where it is highly valued for floral arrangements. The investigation remains open under judicial secrecy, focusing on environmental crimes and money laundering.
“"These groups are well organized. They move in vans, access specific forest areas, and work in teams of five to eight people."
The massive uncontrolled harvesting poses significant environmental risks, including habitat destruction and increased fire hazards. In response to this growing problem, the Generalitat de Catalunya has recently published a draft regulation to strictly control the commercial exploitation of mastic and heather in the region.
