36 criminal networks dismantled in 2026
Spanish government delegate in Catalonia, Carlos Prieto, has highlighted that the Guardia Civil has dismantled 36 criminal organisations across Catalonia so far in 2026. He made the announcement on Monday, 12 October, during the celebration of the Guardia Civil's patron saint, the Virgen del Pilar, at the Sant Andreu de la Barca barracks, which coincided with Hispanic Day. Prieto described the force as a modern, specialised institution integral to Catalonia’s security, institutions, and daily life. He stressed the importance of recognising the Guardia Civil’s daily work in the region.
The Guardia Civil is part of Catalonia. Of its security, its institutions, and the daily lives of its people.
Major operations against drug trafficking
Among the key operations cited was Operation Padaguan, conducted jointly with the Tax Agency’s Customs Surveillance Service, which led to the seizure of over 1,250 kilograms of cocaine at the port of Barcelona and the dismantling of a trafficking network. This follows the ‘Joker’/‘Yayo’ operation, concluded on 23 July 2026, which dismantled a criminal organisation moving cocaine between Catalonia and the Balearic Islands. The operation resulted in 21 arrests and the seizure of nearly 303kg of cocaine, 20kg of hashish, €400,000 in cash, 22 luxury vehicles, and three firearms. Also significant was Operation Showtime, carried out on 30 September 2026 with support from Europol and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). It dismantled a network supplying cocaine to other criminal groups in Barcelona and Lleida. The operation led to 20 arrests and 23 searches, seizing around 52kg of cocaine, 2.8kg of methamphetamine, 1.8kg of MDMA, and €409,275 in cash. Thirteen suspects, including the alleged leader, were remanded in custody.
Rescues, cybercrime and counterfeit seizures
Prieto also outlined the Guardia Civil’s broader role in public safety, including over 1,700 rescue and assistance operations in the past year. The force has also adapted to digital threats, with its ON-RED platform registering more than 1,500 online complaints related to cybercrime and scams in 2025–2026. Between April and August 2026, nearly 190,000 counterfeit goods were seized in Catalonia, with an estimated value of €48 million. These operations form part of the Guardia Civil’s responsibilities in combating smuggling, counterfeiting, and protecting the state’s fiscal interests. The force also conducts inspections of weapons and explosives, environmental protection, and surveillance of coasts, ports, airports, borders, and critical infrastructure.
Recognition for officers and families
Prieto began his speech by wishing a full recovery to two Guardia Civil officers injured on duty in Terrassa on 1 October. He expressed gratitude to serving, reserve, and retired agents, as well as their families, for their sacrifices. He praised the collaboration between the Guardia Civil, the Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalonia’s regional police), the National Police, and local forces in ensuring public security. Prieto concluded by thanking the institution for years of cooperation, first as deputy delegate and now as government delegate, expressing confidence in continued joint efforts.
Primary sources: sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es. Reported by labustia.cat, cope.es, eb.guardiacivil.es, La Bústia.
