Three Albanian citizens have been sentenced to two years in prison and a fine of 52,834 euros for the illegal cultivation of marijuana in Tarragona. The Second Section of the Provincial Court has acquitted them of the more serious charges related to environmental damage and belonging to a criminal group.
The court has not yet ruled on whether the prison sentence will be replaced by their expulsion from Spain. This pending decision could significantly alter the final fate of those prosecuted after serving the economic and custodial sentence.
Dismantling in protected area
The Mossos d'Esquadra dismantled the plantation on September 23, 2024, after receiving an anonymous call. The agents found 1,800 plants distributed in ten terraces with hose irrigation near a ravine. The plants measured between 150 and 200 centimeters in height.
To build the terraces, holm oaks and pines were felled and uprooted in an area included in the Natura 2000 Network. The accused had tents to sleep in and an awning with kitchen utensils. The agents calculated that it was the third harvest and the second year they had been on the farm.
"Most of the plants were destroyed on site, except for 29 units from which samples were taken with prior judicial authorization."
4.22 kilos of marijuana valued at 26,417 euros were seized. During the trial, the defendants denied cutting trees and stated that they arrived the night before with no intention of staying. The court considered that the serious harm to bird nesting was not proven.
Special environmental protection
The area is of special protection for birds due to the presence of endangered Bonelli's eagles. However, the judge determined that there was insufficient evidence of harm to these species during the judicial process.
The restoration of the affected area is expected to occur naturally. This resolution closes a case that had generated great expectation due to the location of the crop in a sensitive natural environment.