Authorities have stepped up their offensive against drug trafficking on the Costa del Sol, leading to the intervention of 18 maritime assets and the destruction of 12 drug boats and 20 high-power engines during 2025. These figures, provided by the Government in response to a parliamentary inquiry, reflect "high effectiveness" in police operations.
Within the framework of the special plan against drug trafficking, 348 vessels were seized in the operational area, representing a 16.4% increase compared to the previous year. This success has prompted the extension of the security plan with a new phase in 2026, which will include more human and material resources to combat criminal networks.
“"These results have led to the extension of the security plan with a new phase in 2026, which includes more human and material resources to combat criminal networks."
Concerns about the presence of drug boats on the coast have escalated, especially after incidents in ports such as Caleta de Vélez. Law enforcement unions have denounced the "impunity" with which these vessels operate in certain coastal areas, such as Manilva, pointing to a lack of resources and overwhelmed units.
In response to this situation, the Congress of Deputies has approved a key reform of the Penal Code. This amendment criminalizes the illegal supply of gasoline to drug boats, known as "petaqueo," establishing prison sentences of three to five years for everyone involved in the chain. This measure aims to end the impunity of those who facilitate drug trafficking logistics, even without proving their direct link to drug trafficking.
