Pulpí, Spain – A video posted to TikTok by Juan Pedro García, the mayor of the small Spanish town of Pulpí (population 12,000), has gone viral, bringing attention to a growing crisis of drug trafficking along the Almería coastline. García’s footage, filmed near several fast boats allegedly involved in narcotics smuggling, is a stark illustration of a problem he says local authorities are struggling to combat due to limited resources and perceived inaction from the central government. The situation has escalated to the point where, according to García, the presence of these vessels has turn into almost commonplace, even attracting curious onlookers.
The mayor’s plea comes as authorities grapple with an increase in drug-related activity along the Spanish coast. García alleges that the Guardia Civil, Spain’s national police force, is hampered by a lack of personnel and what he describes as lenient laws, making it tough to effectively address the issue. He expressed particular concern about the recruitment of young people into criminal networks, stating, “The main problem is that the kids are falling into these mafias. Society needs to wake up and the Government needs to act now.”
The viral video, filmed in an area locally known as “Honduras” – a cliffside location in San Juan de Los Terreros – shows several boats anchored close to shore. García explained the name “Honduras” is a local geographical reference, not a comparison to the Central American country, a misunderstanding that initially fueled further sharing of the video. He noted that the boats had been present for several days, becoming a local spectacle before he decided to publicly denounce the situation.
The Rise of “Petaqueo” and Youth Recruitment
The situation extends beyond the visible presence of narcolanchas. García highlighted the growing problem of “petaqueo” – the illegal refueling of these boats – along the Almería coast. According to reports, the Spanish Ministry of Interior is attempting to address this issue through stricter laws targeting repeat offenders. However, García fears that criminal organizations are increasingly targeting young people in Pulpí, offering lucrative opportunities that draw them into the drug trade. “It’s an easy job and very well paid. It’s very serious when young people fall into this world,” he stated.
Calls for Increased Security and the Return of OCON Sur
García recently met with a government subdelegate to discuss the escalating situation, but reported that his concerns were dismissed with assurances that crime rates hadn’t increased compared to previous years. He strongly refuted this assessment, arguing that a state unable to combat organized crime is a “failed state.” He emphasized the need for increased law enforcement presence, stricter laws, and greater government support. The Guardia Civil in Pulpí currently operates with a team of around a dozen agents out of a total staff of 16, a number García deems insufficient.
The crisis has prompted renewed calls for the reinstatement of OCON Sur, an elite unit specializing in combating drug trafficking that was dismantled in 2022. As reported by The Objective, the Unión de Oficiales, representing high-ranking Guardia Civil officers, has urged for its urgent restoration, arguing that a dedicated and continuous operational pressure is essential to regain control of the territory, protect agents, and restore public safety. The murder of two Guardia Civil officers in Barbate in February 2024, after being rammed by a narcolancha, served as a turning point, highlighting the increasing violence and impunity associated with drug trafficking along the coast.
The situation is characterized by visible narcolanchas, armed confrontations with law enforcement, intimidation of local residents, and the recruitment of minors, creating a climate of fear and eroding public trust. The Unión de Oficiales stated on February 7th that “Only through continuous operational pressure on criminal organizations can effective control of the territory be recovered, agents protected, and the security that citizens so desperately desire restored.”
The situation in Almería underscores the challenges facing Spanish authorities in combating the growing threat of drug trafficking. As investigations continue and calls for increased resources and specialized units grow louder, the future of coastal security in the region remains uncertain. Further developments are expected as the government responds to the escalating crisis and considers the reinstatement of OCON Sur.
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