Sustained police pressure in the Campo de Gibraltar in recent years has forced drug trafficking networks to seek new territories to operate. The Balearic Islands has become one of the emerging hotspots for these illicit activities, taking advantage of its strategic location and the geographical fragmentation of the islands.
A new map of drug trafficking
Drug trafficking in Spain has begun to diversify its points of action following intense controls in the south of the country. According to the report presented at the Operational Coordination Table (MECO), criminal organizations have expanded their radius of action to regions such as Murcia, Girona and, especially, the Balearic Islands. On the islands, these networks have found fertile ground for transporting and storing drugs, taking advantage of their international connectivity as well as port areas and less guarded points. This shift in routes not only represents a challenge for security forces, but also threatens to generate new criminal dynamics in the region.
Impact of the IV Special Security Plan
Since 2018, the IV Campo de Gibraltar Special Security Plan has resulted in the seizure of 2,344 tons of drugs and the arrest of more than 28,000 people. These actions have weakened operations in the southern peninsular, but have also shifted criminal activity to other parts of the Spanish coast, including the Balearic Islands. In 2024, the plan has counted on an investment of 37 million euros, destined to reinforce the police staff and the incorporation of advanced technology for the fight against drug trafficking.
Balearic Islands: a new challenge
The arrival of drug trafficking in the Balearic Islands represents a complex challenge for security forces. On the islands, maritime and land surveillance must adapt to the local geography and the new tactics employed by criminal organizations, which seek to exploit any vulnerability in the control systems. In addition, experts warn that police pressure alone is not enough. To curb the impact of drug trafficking, a comprehensive approach is needed, including education and social programs aimed at preventing young people from being recruited by these criminal networks.
