Barcelona is still dealing with the reach of Barrio 18, a gang that police say is using the Canyelles basketball courts in Nou Barris as a meeting point for recruitment and planning violent acts.
According to reporting by Metrópoli Abierta, the group has more than 100 members and includes people of different nationalities, although many come from Central America, including Honduras. Former members and sources close to the investigation described a strict hierarchy led by the so-called “hommies”, men over 30 who make the decisions.
Below them are the “activados”, who act as the group’s foot soldiers, and then the “paisas”, minors who mainly transport drugs. Sources said disobedience can lead to an 18-second beating, and that members are expected to follow orders without question.
The gang also seeks territorial control. Former members said loyalty to the “barrio” comes before family, and that the Canyelles courts, along with other parts of Nou Barris, are treated as their own space. The same sources said Barrio 18 also makes money from drug dealing in areas such as Raval, near MACBA, Sant Antoni and some squares in the Gòtic district.
Police have also linked the group to clear signs of identity, including blue clothing, Los Angeles-themed items and Nike Cortez trainers. On social media, members are said to use “81” in usernames to hide links to “La 18”. Sources also said young men have been attacked in Vilapicina for wearing similar trainers.
The National Police carried out a major operation against the gang’s structure in Barcelona in 2024, after an investigation that began in October 2023. Officers said they found threats and assaults against people of American origin in several parts of the city, and arrested three people for membership of a criminal organisation, injuries, threats and illegal possession of firearms.
Even so, the gang was not dismantled. Police say Barrio 18 remains active in Barcelona and the metropolitan area, and is still looking to expand, including into areas such as Carmel. The group has also formed an alliance with Los 300, in what appears to be an attempt to challenge the Trinitarios for control. For more local coverage, see our Community and Sport pages.
Originally published by Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life. Read original article.
