Spanish Police Crack Down on Venezuelan Crime Group

A major police operation has taken down a branch of the notorious Venezuelan crime syndicate, Tren de Aragua, in Spain. This group, which started in Venezuelan prisons, has become a major player in international crime, involved in drugs, human trafficking, and extortion. The police action led to the arrest of 13 individuals across five Spanish cities: Barcelona, Madrid, Girona, A Coruna, and Valencia. This crackdown is part of an ongoing effort to stop the gang from spreading its influence into Spain, where many Venezuelans have settled. During the raids, authorities confiscated a variety of illegal substances, including synthetic drugs, cocaine, and even a marijuana farm. They also discovered two labs producing "tusi, " a dangerous drug known as pink cocaine, which the gang is known for trafficking.This isn't the first time Spanish police have targeted this group. Earlier in 2024, they arrested the brother of the gang's leader in Barcelona, accusing him of trying to expand the group's operations into Spain. Tren de Aragua has grown into one of the most violent crime networks in Latin America. The U. S. has even labeled it a global terrorist organization due to its widespread reach and dangerous activities. The police operation highlights the challenges of combating transnational crime. As gangs like Tren de Aragua expand, law enforcement agencies must work together to disrupt their operations and protect communities.