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Criminals who move drugs from maker to retailer use undercover cars and aim to drive in a way that avoids drawing attention.
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The term beacons refers to the points or profit margins earned with each trade.
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The director of the Intelligence Center for Terrorism and Organized Crime warns that Spain is Europe’s largest producer of marijuana, with plantings increasing dramatically in recent years.
The co-pilot warns the driver when entering the San Roque neighborhood in Badalona. A Citroen C4 Picasso: “Don’t go in here, police sometimes check traffic. Turn around and enter from behind; it’s safer.” The driver follows the advice that was given. He carries a white bag in the trunk containing 4.5kg of marijuana that has been peeled, cut, and prepared for sale.
One of the most overlooked yet crucial links in the marijuana trafficking chain is the day of pointers. These cannabis riders ensure the drug reaches the final destination or is handed to a retailer. They present a real challenge for security forces because their activities are unpredictable and often discreet.
The pointer acts as the transmission belt of the cannabis network. It neither manufactures nor sells the drug to the consumer. Instead, it serves as the intermediary that connects production with distribution. With Europe’s growing cannabis consumption, Spain has emerged as a major producer. World Drug Report data indicates that Spain has the highest cannabis resin seizures globally, surpassing other leading producers.
According to Manuel Navarrete, head of the Intelligence Center for Combating Terrorism and Organized Crime, Spain has seen a tenfold increase in plantation numbers in recent years and a significant rise in production, narrowing the gap with the Netherlands, historically a top producer.
In 2020, authorities seized 1,700,462 cannabis plants in Spain, marking a rise of 10.5 percent from 2019 and a substantial increase from 2015. Seizures also included 70,073 kilograms of cannabis, up 76 percent from the previous year, and 473,925 kilograms overall. The Interior Ministry’s Drug Statistics show that cannabis accounted for a large share of drug-related arrests in 2020, underscoring the impact of the plant in the illegal market. Police sources note that unemployment and low wages contribute to a surge in marijuana activity and related crime.
earn points
“I identify who plants marijuana and who buys it. I have a network and contact points for purchases and sales.” This anonymized account, cited by a Barcelona publication, highlights the role of an experienced cannabis rider identified by a pseudonym.
“The needles are named after the points earned. For example, agreeing to release 3 kilos of marijuana depends on variety, quality, appearance, odor, and other factors. Prices can vary, with sums calculated per gram. A typical deal might involve thousands of euros in cash.”
“When a buyer is known, the path to distribution becomes clearer, from growers to direct sellers or clubs that purchase for onward sale. If the final price is set, the intermediary subtracts costs and keeps the difference.”
This lucrative, illegal enterprise is strictly prohibited. Spanish law punishes not only drug trafficking but also possession that accompanies such activity. The country does not recognize a concept akin to “personal consumption” in these cases, and the quantity carried by a beacon can lead to serious charges if apprehended.
Prison or not?
Javier Arias, a partner at Century Lawyers, explains that such profiles frequently appear in drug cases. He notes the intervals that determine severity. In practice, less than a kilo may be treated as an administrative offense or minor sanction, while amounts between one and ten kilos can lead to imprisonment and fines equivalent to the value of the goods. Settlements at trial often reduce sentences, and first-time offenders without a record might see shorter jail terms. He also observes that larger seizures, especially over ten kilograms, raise the possibility of charges as a member of a criminal organization, increasing potential prison time.
Law enforcement sources describe a general tendency: intermediaries try to carry smaller amounts that stay under legal thresholds, avoiding obvious drug-dealing labels.
It is forbidden to note
The pointer operates on the edge, carrying drugs daily but avoiding obvious risk. Strategies include traveling in inconspicuous vehicles, following traffic laws, and steering clear of attention. A Madrid beacon named Nando explains his approach: never drive a flashy car, avoid conspicuous behavior, and respect traffic rules, as radars and checkpoints can appear unexpectedly. If stopped, a larger load is harder to conceal and more likely to trigger serious charges. He emphasizes that practical concealment is essential due to the noticeable scent from larger quantities.
Choosing the right transport is crucial. A Barcelona-based operator explains owning a family-friendly car to blend in, with additional reminders about safe driving to prevent attention. The final handoff often occurs in quiet locations, with the merchandise concealed in a backpack. The transaction ends with cash, then the link to producers is reconnected with buyers, moving products from one point to another.
Prices reflect variety and market conditions. For instance, some strains once dominated the market for their quick flowering, while newer varieties offered different flavors and aromas that could command higher prices. Reports indicate price fluctuations as demand shifts, with popular California-origin varieties sometimes fetching the highest payments. The market now includes a mix of well-known names and broad categories, complicating efforts to identify and regulate specific strains. A common practice involves professionals verifying the variety to ensure authenticity, often with the help of trusted associates who can assess smells or other characteristics.
These intermediaries pose a major challenge for authorities. Traffickers are described as being ahead of the police, thanks to decentralized operations that complicate detection. Inland transport remains especially difficult to monitor, contributing to Spain’s rising cannabis production and its ongoing smuggling challenges across Europe.
point it out A distinct issue in cannabis movement is the difficulty in tracing large shipments that cross borders. Inland routes require careful monitoring because they can operate with a high degree of autonomy, intensifying the burden on law enforcement.