The consternation over the death of the two officers on the Huelva coast has extended beyond the local sphere, causing significant concern in the province of Almería. Security professionals in this region, who are often involved in pursuits of drug boats, fear that a similar tragedy could occur on their shores.
“"If you work life or death, in the end, a tragedy as great as what happened in Huelva will end up happening in Almería."
A spokesperson for the Unified Association of Civil Guards (AUGC) in Almería stated that what happened in Huelva has "broken the hearts" of their colleagues, noting that there are still injured officers. This spokesperson pointed out that, despite previous warnings, necessary measures have not been taken to prevent such incidents, citing previous events in Barbate and near Cabo de Gata, where a patrol boat was damaged and two officers were injured.
The AUGC denounces what it considers "institutional abandonment," criticizing that the responsibility for going out to sea falls on the crews. Officers, frustrated by the inaction against the growing presence of mafias at sea, are forced to risk their lives with insufficient resources. The association has proposed measures such as intercepting drug boats with non-lethal means and tightening laws, in addition to requesting the return of the Ocon Sur operation, considered an effective tool in the fight against drug trafficking.
“"Our colleagues continue to face increasingly violent criminal organizations, with fewer resources and in extreme conditions. The best tribute is not words, it is to ensure that this does not happen again."
The national spokesperson for the AUGC lamented the death of the officers and sent her support to the families, highlighting the "silence" and "abandonment" felt by many officers. She emphasized that it cannot be normalized that "risking one's life is part of institutional abandonment" and urged authorities to take concrete actions to ensure the safety of personnel.
