Three million in illicit profits from unregulated phytosanitary products
The Civil Guard reports that an international network trading unregulated phytosanitary products posed health and environmental risks. Within the operation Kaltegarria, six individuals were arrested—five in Spain and one in France. The group was accused of purchasing, storing, and selling professional-use phytosanitary products without proper authorization.
In addition to investigations in Elche, authorities conducted three more searches in Irún (Guipúzcoa) and a fifth probe in Castres, France, leading to the seizure of more than 26 tonnes of unregulated products, about 20,000 euros in cash, and seven vehicles. A large number of financial assets were frozen across 14 bank accounts, with the total asset value surpassing one million euros.
The financial and environmental stakes
Authorities estimate that the criminal network generated close to three million euros in illegal profits from the sale of these chemicals. The products were used domestically and directed toward various European countries, notably France. Detainees face multiple charges including membership in a criminal organization, crimes against the environment and natural resources, public health offenses, involvement in catastrophic risk scenarios, document forgery, and money laundering.
Context and purpose of phytosanitary controls
The operation unfolded within the framework of phytosanitary protection designed to shield crops and agricultural products from pests, weeds, and disease-causing organisms. Plants play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and supporting sustainable, competitive agriculture and forestry. Yet the movement of goods, people, and trade can spread plant diseases and pests, challenging plant health. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations notes that up to 40 percent of food crops may be lost each year due to such threats, impacting food security for millions and harming farming and production. The Civil Guard stresses that Spain stands as a leading EU producer and exporter of fruit and vegetables, ranking among the top global suppliers alongside China and the United States. This dominant market position heightens the potential impact on health, safety, and the environment if unauthorized phytosanitary substances are used. Manufacturers, marketers, and end users who knowingly participate in this trade reap significant illegal gains, driven by demand from the agricultural sector for products marketed despite restrictions. The applicable European and national regulations restrict the commercialization and use of certain phytosanitary products, with environmental protection and end-user safety in focus.
Phytosanitary products are chemical mixtures containing active ingredients and other components intended to protect plants from harmful organisms. They help increase agricultural productivity and ensure food quality, yet improper use can harm crops, humans, animals, and ecosystems. Misapplication of legal products or environmental release of such substances can damage soil, water, and biodiversity. The risk is highest for those who handle them and for consumers when products are misused.
The operation was directed by Irún Court No. 5 and coordinated with the Environmental Central Operation Unit of SEPRONA, the Central Office for Combating Attacks on the Environment and Public Health of the French Gendarmerie, and the European Union Agency Europol. The effort involved the Ministry of Ecological Transition and the French Biodiversity Office, along with the National Veterinary and Plant Health Research Brigade from the French agriculture ministry. Personnel from the Guipúzcoa and Alicante Commands, together with members of the Civil Guard’s Sinology Service, contributed to the investigation.