Alicante observes Day of the Dead and honors police service amid regional security updates
The Day of the Dead festival in Alicante opened with a moment of silence for the victims of the Murcia nightclub fire, a somber reminder of the dangers faced by communities. Senior officials from the National Police, along with local authorities representing the Valencian Community, attended a ceremony to acknowledge the year’s achievements in public safety. During the event, around 70 police diplomas of merit and recognition were awarded, and state chief commissioner Manuel Lafuente delivered a speech praising the staff for their hard work across all units of the Provincial Police Department. He highlighted improved coordination and cooperation with the broader police force and with local police in the Valencian Community.
According to Lafuente, the balance for the year shows notable dismantling of criminal networks. The Judicial Police Brigade in Alicante has shut down 15 criminal organizations and 58 groups this year. The Immigration and Border Brigade dismantled seven groups, with specific focus on human trafficking for sexual exploitation, resulting in the liberation of 32 victims. The ceremony reflected a commitment to reducing organized crime and protecting vulnerable populations.
In the fight against organized crime, police actions led to the seizure of 4,321 kilograms of cocaine, the destruction of 5,505 kilograms of marijuana, 17 firearms, and 14 marijuana fields. Authorities also intervened in property transactions valued at more than six million euros, with 65 properties seized and 75 high-end vehicles worth over two million euros confiscated. Three boats were valued at roughly 600,000 euros, and 247,000 euros were frozen in related actions. In several Alicante neighborhoods, 37 illegal drug outlets were closed as part of a broader crackdown on illicit trade.
Gender violence and cybercrime response
Lafuente stressed that police efforts prioritize gender-based violence prevention. The EVO unit was highlighted as a key initiative, alongside ongoing efforts to address hate crimes. Pilar Bernabé, the Government Representative for the Valencian Community, chaired the event and reiterated the government’s commitment to boosting female representation in policing. In Alicante province, women now comprise more than 16 percent of the police workforce, reflecting a rise of about 10 percent from the previous year.
Bernabé praised the police force for pioneering work against gender-based violence and underscored the need for advanced investigations and continuous training to confront cybercrime. She noted that this year the National Police processed 7,276 complaints related to technological crimes. The remarks also acknowledged the growing role of artificial intelligence in crime and the importance of adapting strategies to counter such threats.
Representing the city, Alicante Mayor Luis Barcala offered congratulations to the national police officers and emphasized their professionalism in keeping residents safe and secure. His remarks reaffirmed the shared goal of a calm and protected community during holiday celebrations and beyond.
The event also recognized an array of personnel with 20 diplomas of recognition. Among the honorees were criminal lawyer Jose Gabriel Marín and Rubén Carramiñana from ASV Group. Police officers from Alicante and nearby municipalities, including those in SPEIS, were acknowledged for their service. Several awards went to members of the Alicante Local Police Dog Guidance Unit, as well as to staff from the Traffic Control Room of the Alicante Municipal Council and the Northern Region Mediation, Intervention and Legal Advisory Service.
Jupol and future needs
The Jupol union used the occasion to call for salary equalization and dignified retirement on the patron saint day for the National Police. Aaron Rivero, Jupol’s general secretary, congratulated all officers and urged continued support for the union’s demands aimed at modernizing the force for the 21st century. In Alicante, Jupol also pressed for new police stations in Benidorm and Denia, along with updates to service catalogs to reflect the current population and crime profile. The union argued that the catalog has not been revised since 2008, which has created challenges in delivering police services efficiently.
Overall, the Alicante ceremony reflected a broad spectrum of police achievement—from dismantling organized crime networks to advancing gender equality, combating cybercrime, and planning for future policing needs. The day served to acknowledge the dedication of officers while outlining a roadmap for ongoing improvements in public safety across the region.