The collaboration between the National Police and the French Narcotics Office has made it possible to dismantle a drug trafficking network that used Girona as a logistical platform to introduce hashish into the neighboring country. Agents have seized more than half a ton of drugs and arrested seven individuals linked to this criminal structure.
A violent pursuit leaves six officers injured
The turning point of the investigation occurred on April 10 when two vehicles tried to evade police controls. A high-end car was carrying out counter-surveillance tasks while another was transporting two occupants who refused to stop at the signals of the officers.
They crashed against police vehicles and caused six injuries. The collision disabled both cars and forced the suspects to flee on foot before being captured by officers deployed in the area.
Inside the rammed vehicle, which was reported stolen and was circulating with false license plates, investigators located 15 bales containing approximately 400 kilos of hashish. This seizure revealed the magnitude of the shipment that was traveling to France.
Arsenal and fraudulent machinery in Fornells de la Selva
The subsequent searches focused on a farm located in Fornells de la Selva, identified as the organization's second logistical node. There they stored the merchandise before distributing it by means of cars equipped with hidden compartments specifically designed to evade border scanners.
The property search yielded conclusive results on the operational capacity of the group. 155 kilos of hashish were seized along with two assault rifles prepared to fire, a short firearm and abundant ammunition.
"The banknote counting machine and the license plate workshop reveal the sophistication of the network" - Police Spokesperson, Joint Investigation
In addition to the arsenal and the drug, the agents found a machine intended to manufacture fake Spanish and French license plates. This finding explains the ease with which the cell modified the identity of the vehicles used in international transport.
Seven arrested and preventive detention for those involved in Spain
The global balance of the operation shows the intervention of three high-end vehicles and the neutralization of an established route from Arcos de la Frontera. The drug loaded in the Cadiz town traveled to Girona to subsequently cross the border.
The three people arrested in Spanish territory have entered prison after appearing before the judge. They face charges for drug trafficking, membership of a criminal organization, injuries, document forgery, receiving stolen goods, and assault on an agent of authority.
Four more citizens were arrested in France as part of this same investigation initiated in early April following a European Investigation Order issued from Lyon. The authorities maintain the case open and do not rule out making new arrests as the proceedings advance.