The Guardia Civil currently has 19 open operations against organised crime in Tarragona province, six of which are linked to drug trafficking. This comes amid increasing operational complexity and a rise in violence from criminal organisations, according to Lieutenant Colonel Jordi Verger, head of the Tarragona Comandancia.
Lieutenant Colonel Verger shared this information on 13 May 2026, during the 182nd anniversary commemoration of the force's founding at the Tarragona Comandancia. He highlighted the evolving nature of organised crime, noting that these groups show greater operational capability and increased violence, which he said demands a stronger institutional response.
Calls for new legal tools
Verger recalled the recent deaths of Captain Jerónimo and Guardia Civil officer Germán, who previously served in Tarragona, during a pursuit of a drug boat in Huelva. He also mentioned the murders of officers David Pérez and Miguel Ángel González in Barbate in February 2024. "This should make us all reflect on a problem, that of organised crime, which demands new regulations, better judicial procedures, and greater safety for officers fighting this scourge," he stated.
He added that Spain "cannot afford as a country or as a society to bear a single further loss of colleagues at the hands of criminals who profit from drug trafficking." Verger called for "political consensus" to provide security forces with "more effective tools." The government's sub-delegate, Elisabet Romero, responded that improved resources depend on the budgetary context, noting the country is operating with extended budgets.
Organised crime "knows no territories," Verger said, stressing that Tarragona must be ready for potential impacts of drug trafficking along its coast. "Fortunately, in the province, we do not have the direct problem of these incidents so far, but it is true that we have to be prepared," he explained.
Increased violence and maritime vigilance
Drug trafficking boats have already been detected on the Tarragona coast, reinforcing the need for maritime vigilance. Verger defended the capacity of the Guardia Civil's Maritime Service but insisted that more resources and regulatory coverage would allow them to act "with maximum safety."
The head of the Comandancia also warned of rising violence within criminal activity. "We are seeing that organised crime is becoming more violent. We are seeing more firearms in our operations," he said, emphasising the need to adapt operational procedures.
In its activity report, Verger detailed that the Guardia Civil has 19 open operations against organised crime in Tarragona, alongside 40 investigations related to cyber and technological crime. There are also actions linked to potential radicalisation processes and arms trafficking.
Over the past year, the force investigated 400 crimes and arrested 380 people in the province, many connected to organised crime networks. They also processed over 5,000 administrative complaints for infringements related to the environment, smuggling, maritime regulations, weapons, pyrotechnics, hunting, or illegal fishing.
Operational activity also included nearly 600 aid and rescue missions, 5,700 inspections and searches, and over 21,000 identifications of people and vehicles. This brings the total to nearly 40,000 actions in the last year, averaging 110 interventions daily.
Inter-agency coordination and summer plans
Verger highlighted coordination with the Mossos d'Esquadra, National Police, and local police forces, noting "very good joint police activity in an environment of trust and institutional respect." However, he acknowledged that jurisdictional conflicts persist in the maritime sphere, referencing the case of the body found in La Pineda last March.
Looking ahead to the summer, he announced a reinforcement of maritime surveillance, including inspections of recreational boats and security controls along the coast. There will also be an intensification of efforts against smuggling and industrial property crimes in tourist areas. "We are working to ensure this activity does not increase and to guarantee that people can be calm in Tarragona's tourist areas," he stated.
The day's events included awarding decorations to distinguished officers and recognising members of the force who have retired after years of service. Verger thanked them for their work.
Finally, he pointed out the deterioration of some barracks in the province, such as those in Valls, Reus, and La Ràpita, and denounced "a significant lack of investment for years." However, he confirmed that the new barracks in Amposta will start construction shortly and be operational in approximately 18 months.
The event was presided over by the government's sub-delegate in Tarragona, Elisabet Romero, alongside the Mayor of Tarragona, Rubén Viñuales. Civil, judicial, diplomatic, and military authorities, as well as representatives from various police forces and public administration, were also present.
