Drug trafficking operations have surged in Galicia. A major operation led by a Vigo-based court unfolded yesterday, transforming Vigo and its surroundings into the scene of a widespread crackdown. Other locations across Galicia, the rest of Spain, and even Portugal were involved as more arrests and raids took place. In total, around twenty people were expected to be detained nationwide as the investigation progressed. The focus centers on drug trafficking and the activities of narco-lanchas, with alleged crimes including public health violations, smuggling, and organized crime. A shipyard in Porriñas, dedicated to boat manufacturing near a shooting range, emerged as a key focal point for the police on the day of the marathon operation.
The Eight Investigations Court of Vigo oversees the operation, which involved prior inquiry work. Detentions and searches were carried out simultaneously at multiple locations, including the Vigo jurisdiction and Porriño. The deployment extended beyond Galicia to Andalusia, Catalonia, and Toledo, with involvement also reported in Portugal. By mid-morning, an official balance had not been confirmed by the Galician Superior Court of Justice, though several sources indicated around nine arrests in and around Vigo and roughly twenty across Spain. A large number of boats at various stages of construction were recovered during searches. In Portugal, the operation involved collaboration with the Polícia Judiciária, focusing on Valença do Minho and inspections of speedboat manufacturers intended for drug smuggling at sea.
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At the police level, the operation was coordinated by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Team (EDOA) of the Pontevedra Civil Guard Command, with support from other sections of the Internal Security Forces. Some reports suggested detainees would be transferred to Vigo’s court for processing, though no definitive figure was provided yet; it is expected that a final tally will be available soon. It appears that some detainees may be released at the police station pending court appearances in the near future, as is common in such cases.
Beyond drug trafficking, the operation shed light on the manufacture and sale of boats used for smuggling drugs. Galicia has seen similar patterns earlier this year, including a network focused on high-speed boats linked to cannabis shipments through the Strait of Gibraltar. In that April crackdown, the National Police and Civil Guard arrested 18 individuals involved in drug trafficking. More recently, a separate device under a Cangas court’s direction targeted the Arousa area in connection with an attempted glider launch over Vilaboa, illustrating a broader pattern of maritime-focused enforcement this year.
Supreme confirms a civilian guard who provided tips to drug dealers left service
The Supreme Court upheld a disciplinary decision suspending a civilian ranger who had provided information to drug dealers while serving with the Galician Civil Guard Organized Crime Team (ECO Galicia). The court stated that the misconduct jeopardized ongoing anti-drug operations and posed a serious risk to the team and to state security. The ruling affirmed a Defense Department decision to suspend the officer and left intact an earlier disciplinary sanction. The officer, who was previously convicted in Pontevedra in 2018 for related actions taken while with ECO Galicia, faced a lengthy suspension, and the court rejected attempts to overturn this administrative punishment in January 2021 after the related sentence became final. The judges described the officer’s behavior as incompatible with the duties and expectations of a Civil Guard member, noting that leaks could undermine the integrity of secret investigations and hinder the surveillance and arrest of suspects.