Arrests Made During La Mercè Celebrations
Two individuals have been arrested in the Collserola natural park for an alleged crime against public health linked to drug trafficking. The incident occurred on Thursday, 24 September 2026, La Mercè day, when a patrol from the Horta-Guinardó district of the Guàrdia Urbana spotted four young people in a restricted-access zone along the Cerdanyola road. Access to this part of Collserola has been limited due to ongoing measures against African swine fever, as confirmed by the Barcelona City Council's Info Barcelona portal detailing access restrictions. Despite partial easing of these rules in low-risk areas since December 2025, certain zones remain sensitive and under surveillance.
Drugs and Equipment Seized
During the intervention, officers discovered tusi, a synthetic substance commonly known as pink cocaine. They also seized paraphernalia associated with drug distribution, including a precision scale, hermetically sealed bags, cutting agents, and tools for dosage preparation.
Of the four individuals present, two were formally arrested on suspicion of involvement in drug trafficking activities.
The other two were released pending further investigation. No names or ages have been released at this stage.
Increased Patrols Amid Public Health Measures
The arrest comes amid heightened police presence in Collserola, where both the Guàrdia Urbana and Mossos d'Esquadra have intensified operations to prevent illegal activity in ecologically sensitive and restricted zones. In recent months, multiple cannabis cultivation sites have been dismantled in forested areas of the park. Earlier in 2021, the Guàrdia Urbana intercepted over seven kilograms of cocaine in a separate operation, highlighting an ongoing pattern of illicit use of the park’s remote terrain for drug-related offences according to city press records.
Primary sources: Barcelona City Council, ajuntament.barcelona.cat. Reported by beteve.cat, betevé.
