Arrest Follows Suspicious Behaviour During Routine Patrol
On Friday 23rd October, officers from the Badalona Urban Guard detained a 68-year-old Spanish national following an encounter on Carrer Saturn in the Sant Joan de Llefià neighbourhood. The intervention occurred during a routine surveillance patrol when police observed a parked van and noticed the occupant quickly shut the door upon seeing the patrol, displaying clear signs of nervousness. This evasive action prompted officers to approach and inspect the vehicle. During the search, they discovered a loaded handgun along with its ammunition, for which the man held no valid licence.
Weapons and Contraband Seized in Vehicle Search
Inside the van, police found what they described as a small arsenal: in addition to the firearm, the man was in possession of a large machete, a kitchen knife, and an extendable baton. A total of €4,770 in cash was also seized. In the cargo area, authorities located 634 cartons of tobacco valued at approximately €40,000. The tobacco lacked official tax stamps and documentation proving legal importation or sale, indicating possible smuggling. The man, who had no prior criminal record, was arrested on suspicion of illegal weapons possession. Police have opened proceedings to investigate the suspected smuggling of tobacco.
Mayor Highlights Importance of Street-Level Policing
Badalona mayor Xavier García Albiol commented on the incident, stating: "This action demonstrates the importance of police presence on the streets to detect situations that can pose a risk to the safety of residents." "The seizure of an unlicensed firearm, along with other weapons and such a large quantity of tobacco of unclarified origin, highlights the relevance of this operation. The safety and tranquility of citizens must always be a priority," Albiol added. The operation was conducted by the Guàrdia Urbana, the municipal police force responsible for public safety in Badalona.
Sources: Metrópoli Abierta (CA), badalona.cat.
