Rafael, the narcotic cousin of 'El Chicle' who kept 1,400 kilos of cocaine in the "Hotel Papa"
The article reports on the recent arrest of Rafael Rivas Gey, a senior member of the Galician drug trafficking clan known as Os Fanchos, who was caught by Spanish police in collaboration with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The operation took place at the Hotel Papá, which serves as a front for the cartel and is located in A Pobra do Caramiño, near the coastal town of La Coruña. During the raid, authorities seized 1,410 kilograms of cocaine and arrested Rafael along with two associates, a trusted lieutenant and a 'notary' responsible for verifying the legitimacy of the drug shipments to Eastern European clans. Despite this latest bust, the article notes that Rafael has a long history of criminal activity, including kidnapping, and that his capture represents just another chapter in a lengthy legal record. Local residents express skepticism about the effectiveness of such operations, citing past failures.
In Guadalajara, more than five kilograms of cocaine hidden inside a horseback riding chair sent from Colombia were intercepted by Spanish authorities. The operation, carried out by the Guardia Civil, uncovered the drug shipment destined for Azuqueca de Henares, a town within the province of Guadalajara. The discovery led to the arrest of three individuals, including suspected traffickers, and the seizure of five firearms, along with materials used for preparing and altering the drug. The interception began with the detection of a suspicious postal package originating from Colombia. Upon inspection, law enforcement found over 5,347 kilograms of cocaine concealed within the wooden structure of the riding chair. This was one of several recent busts targeting illicit drug trafficking routes into Spain. The operation highlights the ongoing efforts by Spanish security forces to disrupt cross-border narcotics networks, particularly those involving South American origins. Meanwhile, in Galicia, another major operation unfolded against a well-known criminal network linked to the so-called “Os Fanchos” clan. Authorities arrested Rafael Rivas Gey, a long-standing figure in regional organized crime, along with two associates. The arrests took place at the “Hotel Papá,” a dilapidated establishment located in A Pobra do Caramiñal, near the coastal town of La Coruña. The property had previously been used as a base for storing large quantities of drugs, including 1,410 kilograms of cocaine, which were allegedly being transported through maritime routes before continuing their journey eastward toward the Balkans. Rafael Rivas Gey, known as “Rafael, the cousin of ‘El Chicle,’” has a history of involvement in multiple criminal activities, including kidnapping. His arrest marks yet another attempt by Spanish and U.S. agencies, specifically the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), to dismantle this resilient criminal organization. The operation resulted in the detention of three suspects, including a man acting as a sort of legal representative for the drug trade, tasked with verifying that shipments reached their destinations according to agreements with Eastern European syndicates. This latest arrest adds to a growing list of actions taken against the Os Fanchos, a group often described as a secondary-tier player in Galician drug trafficking circles. Despite repeated interventions, the clan has managed to persist, adapting its methods to evade capture. Local residents describe the situation with caution, noting that while the arrest might seem like a turning point, there is little indication that the group will be permanently dismantled. Legal proceedings have also continued in parallel. In La Coruña, the Provincial Court has maintained the financial assets of an individual under investigation in connection with the “Saona” operation, during which nearly 3.6 tons of cocaine were seized after arriving at the coast of A Pobra do Caramiñal via a semi-submerged vessel. The court’s decision to keep these accounts frozen underscores the seriousness of the case and the ongoing judicial process aimed at tracing the flow of illicit funds associated with drug trafficking. Elsewhere in Castile-La Mancha, police in Puertollano conducted a high-speed chase that ended in the arrest of four individuals suspected of drug trafficking. During the operation, officers discovered a package containing 1,147 grams of cocaine, which had been thrown onto a rooftop by the suspects during their escape. The seized drugs were estimated to have a market value of approximately 322,000 euros, alongside 1,500 euros in cash. This incident reflects the broader challenge faced by law enforcement in combating drug-related crimes, even in areas where such activity is less visible. These developments illustrate the complex and evolving nature of drug trafficking operations in Spain, with different regions facing distinct challenges. From the rural landscapes of Guadalajara to the coastal towns of Galicia and the inland cities of Castile-La Mancha, authorities continue to work across borders and jurisdictions to combat the illegal drug trade. As investigations unfold and new arrests occur, the focus remains on disrupting supply chains and holding perpetrators accountable.
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