Arms trafficking gang busted in Spain, police seize over 40 weapons and a bazooka

Spanish police forces have finalized a large-scale operation in Catalonia, dismantling a criminal organization dedicated to arms trafficking.

During the action, nine people were arrested and a considerable arsenal was discovered, notably a bazooka and a hand grenade.

The operation was carried out with the participation of around 130 officers from the Mossos d’Esquadra and the National Police. Officers raided several premises of the group and found two weapons caches, inside which over 40 firearms were hidden.

Among the seized weapons are a war weapon, 38 semi-automatic pistols, two revolvers, four rifles, and about 1,000 rounds of ammunition. Also confiscated were a grenade, bulletproof vests, a ballistic shield, the bazooka, and 12,000 euros in cash.

Investigations showed that the network was led by an imprisoned person who continued to coordinate the criminal activity and give orders to family members. He maintained regular contact with the outside, while the organization bought, stored, and sold weapons via hidden routes, advertising them and sending photos to potential clients.

The leader’s daughter was tasked with promotion: she photographed and filmed the weapons to present to buyers. His wife, on the other hand, transported the weapons by car to designated delivery points, while the group leader himself conducted negotiations from prison.

The investigation began in January and ended with the arrest of nine persons – five men and four women, aged 20 to 48. At the same time as the field operation, a search was also carried out in the prison where the suspected group leader is held.

Authorities say the investigation remains open and further arrests are not ruled out as part of this operation.