Badalona and Tarragona crackdown on illegal drug occupations

Mayor Xavier García Albiol of Badalona ordered the eviction of an illegal settlement at the former Badalona 9 school that had become a hub for drug sales, violence and property damage. The operation restored public order, increased police presence and installed barriers to prevent future illegal occupation.

In Tarragona, authorities report a surge in clandestine cannabis plantations linked to organized crime. The grow‑ops, often connected to the electricity grid and located in abandoned buildings, have intensified local violence and community insecurity. Officials call for a coordinated response that includes more police resources, stronger judicial cooperation and preventive measures for youth.

Both municipalities emphasise that combating drug‑related crime requires sustained municipal action and broader regional coordination.