Galician narco resist: clans maintain power despite police siege

The Galician drug cartels have continued to resist police efforts despite intensified operations, according to officials. In 2025, law enforcement agencies recorded over nine tons of cocaine intercepted in Galicia, yet this figure does not reflect a significant increase compared to previous years. The actual impact of these seizures appears limited due to the nature of trafficking routes and methods used by organized groups. One notable operation involved nearly 4,000 kilograms of cocaine arriving at A Pobra do Caramiñal via two white boats loaded from a submerged vessel near the island of Sálvora. However, the seizure was officially attributed to a local organization based in O Salnés, with its leaders detained shortly after the incident. Emilio Rodríguez, head of the Galicia branch of the National Police’s GRECO unit, highlighted the success of the Saona operation as one of the year's major achievements. He noted that while the means of transportation have evolved, from traditional boats to submarines, the core dynamics remain unchanged. The organizations continue to operate with professional structures, often controlled from abroad, using more sophisticated communication and payment systems. Despite these changes, they maintain their focus on large-scale shipments, employing similar tactics as seen in past operations involving figures such as David Pérez Lago. The intercepted cocaine did not appear in official statistics compiled by the Center for Intelligence against Terrorism and Organized Crime (CITCO), which reported the seizure occurred in the province of A Coruña rather than Pontevedra. This discrepancy underscores the challenges faced by authorities in accurately tracking and reporting drug seizures, particularly when the location of interception differs from initial reports. Nonetheless, the operation led to the arrest of key members of the suspected organization linked to Pablo Lindner, considered the leader of a network operating through registered vessels and maritime enterprises based in Sanxenxo and Cambados. Antonio Duarte, chief of the Central Unit of Drug Operations (Udyco Central), emphasized that local groups have maintained dominance in Galician drug markets. These established networks, some of whom have been repeatedly arrested and released, continue to exert considerable influence, making it difficult for external groups to gain a foothold. According to Duarte, there are two or three powerful organizations within the region, with some specializing in intercepting drugs from semi-submersible vessels and merchant ships, while others rely on fishing boats for smuggling activities. These groups remain highly active, controlling much of the regional narcotics trade. Despite coordinated efforts by multiple units, including the Central Narcotics Brigade, the EDOA command in Pontevedra, the Operational Command Unit of the Civil Guard, and local Udyco teams, organized crime networks persist in Galicia. The city of Lérez has seen heightened activity from anti-drug units, alongside the Customs Surveillance Service. In total, 297 individuals were detained for drug-related offenses during the year, representing over 40 percent of all arrests in the region. This number aligns with recent trends, indicating that while police actions have increased, the underlying structure of criminal organizations remains resilient. Recent operations have targeted high-profile figures within these networks. This summer saw the arrest of alias Moncho Vilaboa and his close associates, who are suspected of involvement in the infamous Nehir shipment. Such actions demonstrate the ongoing commitment of law enforcement to dismantle key players in the drug trade, even as the broader landscape continues to evolve. The persistence of these networks suggests that while tactical successes are achieved, the fundamental challenge of eradicating deeply rooted criminal enterprises persists.