Mossos d'Esquadra discovered a dozen submachine guns inside an abandoned vehicle on the AP-7 motorway near Girona early Wednesday morning. A traffic patrol found the Porsche Cayenne at a rest area shortly before 02:00. The driver fled the scene upon seeing the officers.
The driver quickly entered another car, a Citroen C5, and drove away. They left the Porsche abandoned and open. Inside the French-registered vehicle, police located documentation belonging to a French individual. They also found two bags containing twelve long weapons, described as "submachine gun" type. The exact model remains unconfirmed.
Officers also found documents indicating a recent court appearance in Girona. This was for an individual of Maghrebi origin with a criminal record. Police sources suggest this person could be the fleeing driver. However, the force has not officially confirmed this detail. Authorities secured the Porsche following the discovery. They transported it by tow truck to the Figueres police station in Girona.
Investigation into Weapon Authenticity
The submachine guns are now stored in the police bunker. Scientific police are working to determine if they are real or simulated firearms. This investigation aims to clarify the nature of the weapons.
Broader Arms Trafficking Concerns
This discovery follows a major operation weeks ago. Mossos d'Esquadra, alongside the Policía Nacional, dismantled a network linked to the Turkish mafia. This group supplied "Frankenstein" weapons to drug traffickers operating in Catalonia. Catalonia's leading role in marijuana production has led to an increase in criminals possessing firearms. These are often linked to drug trafficking activities.
The Turkish organisation provided weapons to local criminal groups in exchange for large quantities of marijuana. These drugs were then sold in other European countries. Their black market price could triple there.
Key Interception in Barcelona
A crucial interception in July 2025 led police to the arms traffickers. Barcelona's Guardia Urbana stopped a suspicious vehicle. The Turkish driver ignored the officers' signal to stop. He continued driving. Once immobilised, police searched the vehicle. They found a rifle and two pistols inside.
This arrest led authorities to the full supply chain. The organisation sourced weapons from the Western Balkans and Turkey. They then concealed these firearms in vehicles and lorries. These were equipped with hidden compartments for distribution across Europe. Once in Spain, these weapons served as currency in drug transactions with other criminal groups.
Understanding "Frankenstein" Firearms
These specific weapons are known as "Frankenstein" firearms. They are hybrid guns, combining original components with metal parts manufactured by hand. These weapons are low-cost but fully functional. Their hybrid nature makes them particularly difficult to trace. This helps their widespread distribution among criminal networks.
The ongoing investigation into the abandoned submachine guns will likely seek to connect this find with broader arms trafficking networks. This incident highlights the persistent challenge authorities face in combating the illegal flow of firearms used by organised crime groups in Catalonia.
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Originally published by ABC Cataluña. Read original article.
