As of mid-July, 1,698 people have been intercepted in Almería, primarily originating from Algeria and Morocco. These figures confirm the province as the most critical point on the peninsula in the last decade, accounting for 90% of irregular entries in Andalusia.
Over the past ten years, nearly 60,000 immigrants have reached the Almerian coast aboard various vessels. Reports from the Directorate-General of the National Police place Almería at the epicenter of the peninsular migratory crisis, with an average of 16 arrivals per day. The cumulative figure for the 2016-2026 period is approaching 60,000, including arrivals in recent weeks. The record year was 2018, with over 12,000 people.
The Almerian coast has been the most affected stretch by North African mafias, who traffic people and charge up to 10,000 euros per crossing. The province has received over 90% of Andalusia's irregular immigration, tripling the numbers from other provinces. While Canary Islands and Balearic Islands have seen higher national entry volumes, Almería leads the peninsular ranking.
This year, Murcia has experienced significant growth, surpassing Almería by mid-July with nearly 2,000 immigrants compared to the 1,698 on the Almerian coast. Algerian mafias have been more active in recent years, with nocturnal and afternoon landings, while Moroccan groups use narco-boats. The summer months, from June to September, typically see the highest incidence due to improved weather conditions.
Almería has become a crucial geostrategic hub for criminal networks involved in trafficking hashish, the auxiliary industry of 'petaqueo', and migrant transport. Police sources indicate that many immigrants continue their journey towards France, paying up to 300 euros for clandestine car transfers to Valencia, Catalonia, and the Basque Country.
State-of-the-art narco-boats, up to eleven and a half meters long with powerful engines, reach speeds of 60 knots and complete journeys from the Gulf of Oran or Nador in just over three hours. Equipped with radars, they detect patrol boats up to 20-25 kilometers away. In summer, they can make up to four trips a day, overwhelming the capabilities of the Civil Guard.
Official figures do not include those who reach land without control or the fatal victims. Violent episodes aboard have been recorded, with deaths and injuries during landings. Civil Guard and Police associations and unions are demanding more resources and staff from the Government to confront these mafias, which possess unlimited resources and advanced technology.
