Police have dismantled the Sicilian mafia Barcelona branch, arresting 12 individuals. The Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional) targeted an organised crime group from Catania, Italy. Consequently, this group had established a production hub in Barcelona to traffic marijuana back to Sicily.

The raid was a coordinated international effort. Moreover, Italian Guardia di Finanza, Europol, and Eurojust joined the operation. Authorities struck simultaneously in both countries. Consequently, they made six arrests in Catalonia and a further six in Italy.

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The Barcelona Connection

While the criminal organisation’s headquarters were in Catania, investigators discovered Spanish operations. The Catalan branch managed production, acquisition, and distribution. Additionally, the primary suspect, based in Barcelona, oversaw the entire logistical chain. The group cultivated marijuana locally and purchased additional stock. To transport the illicit cargo to Sicily, they concealed drugs within pallets of fruit and vegetables. Alternatively, they hid them inside animal feed shipments.

Firearms and Assets Seized

During the operation, officers dismantled three indoor marijuana plantations. They seized 1,670 plants. Moreover, the raids also yielded a cache of firearms, including two rifles and two pistols. Police found more than €40,000 in cash.

Beyond the physical seizures, the financial investigation has been extensive. Therefore, authorities have blocked assets valued at approximately €1 million across both Spain and Italy. They targeted the suspected money laundering activities of the network’s leadership.

A Long-Running Investigation

This latest action marks the culmination of a broader investigation into the syndicate. Prior to this phase, police had already arrested 13 other individuals connected to the ring. Additionally, a targeted police offensive against repeat offenders potentially aided this. Previous raids linked to the investigation resulted in the seizure of:

  • 179 kilograms of marijuana in Barcelona plantations.
  • 156 kilograms of hashish.
  • 150 kilograms of marijuana intercepted on a ship bound for the Sicilian coast.

The detainees face charges including drug trafficking, membership of a criminal organisation, and money laundering. Consequently, this operation significantly disrupts the Sicilian mafia Barcelona network.

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