In Andalusia, despite the triumphant reports from the Minister of the Interior regarding the figures of arrests and confiscated assets, drug trafficking is at its peak. In 2018, this illicit activity had become an established problem in the Campo de Gibraltar, leading drug traffickers to reinvent themselves and expand their operations to new areas.
Police pressure forced traffickers to seek alliances outside their comfort zone, resulting in an increase in violence and the use of military-grade weapons. Civil guards have risked themselves multiple times to rescue occupants of endangered drug boats, demonstrating the dangers of this criminal activity.
Criminal organizations, which previously engaged in cigarette smuggling from Gibraltar using drug boats, have ventured into cocaine trafficking. The situation is alarming, with drug boats navigating in broad daylight near the Andalusian coast and the Guadalquivir River, which has become a drug corridor in the region.
Police operations have become less effective in recent times, and a decrease in drug seizures has been observed. The landscape has become complicated with the expansion of criminal activities to new areas, such as the Guadalquivir. Despite blows dealt to the organizations, the fight against drug trafficking remains a challenge in Andalusia.
Drug trafficking in Andalusia has evolved, with more violent and sophisticated criminal groups. The capture of important leaders such as 'El Pantoja' or 'Los Castañitas' has represented progress, but the situation remains critical. The European summit against organized crime in Cádiz aims to strengthen cooperation to address these criminal networks.
Drug trafficking in Andalusia has reached concerning levels, with sophisticated and violent criminal organizations. Despite police efforts, the fight against this phenomenon requires closer cooperation at the European level and the strengthening of security forces. The ministerial meeting in Cádiz aims to analyze the current situation and propose strategies to tackle drug trafficking in the region.
