Spanish Police Arrest 13 Members of Tren de Aragua Gang
Spanish police have arrested 13 suspected members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua across five cities, marking a significant crackdown on organized crime linked to drug trafficking. Authorities conducted the arrests as part of an ongoing investigation initiated after the detention of the brother of José Antonio Cordero, also known as “Niño Guerrero,” the alleged leader of the gang. This operation is the first of its kind in Spain aimed at dismantling a cell associated with the notorious Venezuelan group.
The arrests occurred in the cities of Barcelona, Madrid, Girona, A Coruña, and Valencia. Police also seized a substantial cache of illegal drugs and dismantled two laboratories believed to be manufacturing tusi, a dangerous mixture of cocaine, MDMA, and ketamine. Video footage released by law enforcement shows officers discovering packages and a distinctive pink substance within a residential property.
Background on Tren de Aragua
Established over a decade ago in a particularly violent prison in the Aragua state of Venezuela, the Tren de Aragua gang has expanded its influence significantly, particularly as more than 7.7 million Venezuelans have fled their country’s economic crisis. This expansion has drawn the attention of international authorities, particularly in the United States, where the gang has become a focal point in the administration’s campaign against drug trafficking.
Former President Donald Trump had previously designated the Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization, alongside infamous groups like MS-13. In March 2023, he invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to classify suspected gang members as wartime enemies of the U.S. government. This action was only taken three times prior in U.S. history.
The U.S. government’s aggressive stance against drug cartels has led to numerous strikes in the Caribbean, with at least 18 operations reported to have resulted in the deaths of over 70 individuals. These operations, which have been criticized as extrajudicial killings, aim to disrupt the activities of drug traffickers and eliminate their networks.
Implications and Future Actions
The recent arrests in Spain not only underscore the international reach of the Tren de Aragua gang but also highlight the growing collaboration between law enforcement agencies across borders to combat organized crime. As Spanish authorities continue to investigate the gang’s operations, further actions may be anticipated to dismantle additional networks involved in drug trafficking.
The implications of these arrests extend beyond regional law enforcement, reflecting a broader struggle against drug-related violence and the social issues stemming from Venezuela’s ongoing crisis. As the situation develops, international attention remains focused on both the immediate impacts within Spain and the larger ramifications for global drug trafficking dynamics.
