Spanish police have dismantled a suspected war weapons trafficking network in the province of Seville, arresting three individuals and seizing an AK-47 assault rifle and an M80 anti-tank rocket launcher, both in working order. The operation, which culminated in four house searches, targeted a group allegedly supplying heavy weaponry to criminal organizations linked to drug trafficking.
The investigation began in June, when officers became aware of a possible network dedicated to marketing such weaponry. Initial inquiries led to the identification of several individuals based in Dos Hermanas, a municipality near Seville, who allegedly acted as intermediaries between suppliers and potential buyers.
Arrests and seizures
During a surveillance operation, officers spotted two suspects traveling in a vehicle. When the suspects noticed the police presence, they attempted to flee and threw a bag onto the road. Inside, officers found a 7.62-millimetre calibre AK-47 and a 64-millimetre calibre M80 anti-tank rocket launcher. The two occupants were arrested on the spot, and a third arrest was made later in connection with brokering the weapons.
According to an official statement, one of the main suspects was responsible for arranging contacts between suppliers and buyers. The investigation revealed that assault rifles could fetch up to €6,000 on the illegal market.
The operation included four house searches: three in Dos Hermanas and one in Seville city. Police did not disclose whether additional arrests are expected.
This case highlights the ongoing challenge of illegal arms trafficking in Spain, a country that serves as a transit point for drugs and weapons due to its proximity to North Africa and its extensive coastline. The seizure of an anti-tank rocket launcher is particularly concerning, as such weapons are rarely seen in criminal hands in Europe.
Authorities have not yet commented on the intended use of the weapons, but the link to drug-trafficking organizations suggests they were meant for violent confrontations between rival gangs or for use against law enforcement.
The arrests come amid broader European efforts to curb the flow of illegal firearms. The EU has implemented stricter regulations on the civilian use of firearms, but the black market remains resilient. Similar operations have been carried out in other member states, reflecting a coordinated approach to tackling this cross-border threat.
In recent months, Spanish police have also been active in other areas of public safety, including clearing a housing protest camp in Madrid, though that operation was unrelated to arms trafficking.
The suspects, whose identities have not been released, are expected to face charges of illegal weapons trafficking, which carries severe penalties under Spanish law. The investigation remains open, and police are working to determine the full extent of the network and its connections to other criminal groups.
This seizure underscores the importance of vigilance in the fight against organized crime, as the availability of military-grade weapons poses a significant risk to public safety across Europe.
