Mossos d'Esquadra have dismantled a criminal group centred in Lleida, dedicated to cannabis and arms trafficking. The operation resulted in the arrest of 12 members, including key leaders, and the seizure of 1,300 cannabis plants, 16 pistols, and a large quantity of ammunition, according to police on 25 April 2026.
The arrested individuals, aged between 25 and 73, face charges including belonging to a criminal group, public health offences, electricity fraud, and illegal possession and trafficking of weapons. The organisation was well-structured, featuring a distinct leadership, a logistics team, and 'gardeners' responsible for controlling and maintaining up to three indoor plantations.
Investigations began in the final quarter of 2025, when police gathered evidence pointing to a criminal network in Lleida managing cannabis plantations across the city. Some members were also involved in the illegal trade of weapons and ammunition.
Group Structure and Operations
Investigators from the Criminal Investigation Division (DIC) in Lleida confirmed that the group's leadership made strategic decisions on plantation locations and production phases. They also acted as intermediaries in the buying and selling of firearms, which criminal groups often use to defend against 'narco-assaults'.
A second tier of the organisation provided logistical support for the business. This included finding investors and managing the buying and selling of cannabis. Finally, 'gardeners' maintained and guarded the plantations, most of which were located on properties on the outskirts of Lleida city.
Working with the Public Prosecutor's Office and the Lleida Court of Instruction, police launched their operation on Tuesday, 21 April. They carried out six searches of properties and warehouses in Lleida and one search in a home in Seròs.
Seizures and Further Arrests
During the searches, officers found active cannabis plantations at various stages of growth in two investigated warehouses. These sites had full installations and illegal connections to the electricity grid. Smaller plantations were also found in two other properties, one hidden in a specially adapted underground space for intensive cultivation. In total, 1,300 plants were discovered.
Regarding weapons, agents seized 15 pneumatic long and short-barrelled weapons of varying power, and one .22 calibre short-barrelled firearm. They also found various parts of other weapons and a large amount of metallic and semi-metallic ammunition. Some of these pneumatic and fire weapons, along with other seized parts, have been sent to the Central Ballistics and Instrumental Traces Unit of the Scientific Police for study. In one location, police even found a Civil War-era grenade, though it contained no explosive charge. Additionally, €5,100 in cash was recovered.
Eight arrests were made during the property searches. Simultaneously, four more group members were located and arrested in Lleida, Cambrils, Sabadell, and Vilanova i la Geltrú. All 12 suspects appeared before a judge on Thursday, 23 April.
