During the early hours of Wednesday, a group of unidentified individuals broke into the car of the widow of David Pérez Carracedo in Sarriguren, Navarra, shattering the vehicle’s window. Pérez Carracedo was one of the Guardia Civil officers killed in Barbate by a narco-boat. The authorities are actively investigating the incident and have not ruled out offering protection to the affected family. Pérez Carracedo lived in the Navarra community with his family.
The Guardia Civil is examining the reported events and is considering protective measures for a family potentially at risk. Pérez Carracedo resided in Navarra alongside his relatives.
Fallen Officers
The two officers who died are Miguel Ángel González Gómez, 39, from San Fernando in Cádiz, a member of the Subaquatic Activities Specialists Group (GEAS), who left behind a partner and a daughter; and David Pérez Carracedo, 43, born in Barcelona, a member of the Rapid Action Group (GAR), who had a wife and two children.
Family members and colleagues bid farewell at funeral ceremonies held at the Cadiz Cathedral and the Navarre cathedral, with both officers posthumously receiving the Gold Cross of the Guardia Civil Order of Merit.
Concerns for Safety
Customs Surveillance officers filed a report on November 13 with the Special Delegation of the Andalusian Tax Agency, expressing concerns about personal safety due to the boats used in operations and urging increased resources to combat trafficking. The document highlighted the precarious working conditions in which Vigilancia Aduanera operates and was disclosed by CSIF, following the death of two Guardia Civil officers in Barbate, hit by a narco-boat last Friday.
The signatories noted that between 2018 and 2019 a new generation of semi-rigid cabin boats, 10 to 11 meters long and powered by three outboard engines named Fénix II, III, IV and V, were added to the Algeciras base, intended to supplement the Rodman 55 patrol boat. They described the work as high risk because surviving at sea is inherently dangerous, with night interventions under rough weather and high speeds.
The document asserts that as suppressors of smuggling and drug trafficking along Andalusia’s shores, the unit has long been at the forefront of the fight against a problem that plagues communities. The authors emphasize that the Fénix boats, initially intended as auxiliary craft, have become a more central patrol option due to fleet shortages in Andalusia.
They stated that traffickers and their members have grown more violent, and that the dangers faced by Vigilancia Aduanera personnel in Andalusia should not be underestimated.
CSIF announced its commitment to report this situation to all administrations, forums, and media outlets.
The report notes that the Andalusian coast has increasingly become a major logistics hub for cannabis distribution. Narco-boats are growing in number, size, and power, and it is becoming common to encounter groups of boats in routine patrols, some carrying cannabis, others carrying fuel or support gear. The Fénix vessel is described as smaller and lighter than most narco-boats, yet capable of competing on speed; however, this creates a sense of imbalance in confrontations with larger craft. The comparison between a Fénix and a larger boat is used to illustrate safety concerns for crew aboard Fénix patrols, particularly in potential collisions.
It is explained that the Fénix type was initially seen as a purely auxiliary asset but, due to fleet precariousness in the region, has increasingly operated as a patrol vessel on its own. In parallel, the message warns that drug-trafficking groups are growing more aggressive, underscoring the risk to Vigilancia Aduanera personnel in Andalusia.
CSIF has stated its intention to raise the issue with all levels of government, platforms, and media as part of a broader appeal for increased protection and resources.