Catalan police have arrested several individuals and seized firearms in La Mina, Sant Adrià de Besòs, following months of violent clashes and shootings between two rival Romani family clans. The operation, led by the Mossos d'Esquadra, aims to de-escalate a situation that has kept the neighbourhood of 11,000 residents on edge since early 2024. Police confirmed they dismantled a criminal group linked to numerous shootings and violent incidents.
The Mossos d'Esquadra, now under the leadership of the local police station and sub-inspector Agustí Jové, have actively worked to restore order. Police sources accepted that officers approach incidents with extreme caution. This is due to the hostility these clans show towards law enforcement personnel. La Mina, a neighbourhood bordering Barcelona by the Besòs river, has a significant presence of Romani clans. These groups have established strong control, particularly in the central blocks, which are inaccessible by car.
Escalation of Violence in La Mina
The neighbourhood experienced almost daily incidents and shots fired into the air. The situation had been out of control for months, according to Catalan police. Recent violent episodes highlighted the urgency of the police response. On 3 April, Good Friday, multiple street confrontations ended with gunfire. Investigators later found 16 spent casings at the scene. During this incident, individuals in the street threatened police officers with firearms.
One man, identified as S.F., a known figure, was arrested by plainclothes officers shortly after the 3 April incident. He was remanded into prison custody due to several outstanding warrants. On 25 April, another shooting involving over 20 shots took place in the same Plaza de Camarón. These events, first reported by ElCaso.com, prompted the Mossos to launch a full investigation.
Coordinated Police Operation
The investigation identified several individuals involved in this violent escalation. On 5 May, the Mossos d'Esquadra deployed a major police operation. This involved four judicial entries and searches in flats within La Mina. The primary goal was to arrest the alleged perpetrators of the shootings. Officers also aimed to locate the weapons used in these violent episodes.
During the searches, agents intervened three firearms. These included two shotguns and one pistol. They also seized projectiles, cartridges of various calibres, and bladed weapons, ElCaso.com reported. The operation resulted in the arrest of two men. Police attributed charges of assault against authority figures, illegal possession of weapons, threats, and public disorder to them. Officers visually identified these arrested individuals as participants in the Good Friday shooting.
Impact and Ongoing Investigation
The arrested men appeared before a judge on 7 May. The Mossos d'Esquadra stated that this action has broken the dynamic of violent escalation in the neighbourhood. It has also significantly reduced the risk to the local population. The investigation, led by the Sant Adrià police station, received collaboration from the Divisió d’Investigació Criminal (DIC) of the northern metropolitan region. This collaboration shows the seriousness of the police response.
The investigation remains open, and police do not rule out further arrests or additional police actions. This ongoing effort aims to ensure lasting peace and safety for the residents of La Mina. The community has endured months of fear and disruption due to the clan conflicts.
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Originally published by El Caso (El Nacional). Read original article.
