Residents on Rambla del Prat in Barcelona's Gràcia district are expressing concern over a commercial premises that has been vacant for 13 years and was recently used as a drug dealing location, creating security problems.
The empty shop, now boarded up with real estate advertisements, has been a source of significant local unease. The community reports that the site attracted queues of people waiting to buy drugs, leading to an increase in crime.
Security Concerns Mount
Locals described a pattern of thefts linked to the former drug den. "Sometimes there was a queue, people waiting on benches to buy their dose," one resident explained. "And it was common that, before or after buying, especially before, they would take the opportunity to steal. There started to be thefts, some with violence."
This rise in criminal activity included a robbery at a nearby bar, where the owner was injured after confronting the thief. The prolonged vacancy of the premises, coupled with its recent use for illicit activities, has heightened fears among those living and working in the area.
Local authorities are aware of the situation, according to community representatives. Residents are calling for a permanent solution to the empty shop, hoping to prevent any recurrence of drug-related issues and to improve overall neighbourhood safety.
