Opposition parties in Spain call for immediate measures against human trafficking
The Spanish Parliament is set to hold critical discussions on the practice of 'petaqueo', a logistical component for drug trafficking operations, particularly in the Strait of Gibraltar region.
The centre-right Partido Popular (PP) has requested the appearance of Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska and the Director General of the Guardia Civil, Mercedes González, before the Spanish Parliament. The PP has expressed concerns about the insufficiency of current legal measures to combat 'petaqueo' effectively.
'Petaqueo' involves supplying fuel to narcolanchas, small high-speed boats used for smuggling drugs, while they are operating in international waters. The practice has become a significant issue, with authorities in Jerez de la Frontera recently seizing nearly 5,000 litres of gasoline intended for narcolanchas.
The PP has called for comprehensive legislative reforms to explicitly criminalize the act of supplying fuel to narcolanchas. However, 'petaqueo' is not explicitly defined as a criminal offence in Spain's Penal Code. In 2024, the Audiencia Provincial de Cádiz ruled that transporting fuel for narcolanchas could be prosecuted under Article 568 of the Penal Code, which addresses collaboration with criminal organisations.
The hearings aim to foster a comprehensive understanding of 'petaqueo' and to develop coordinated approaches to mitigate its impact on Spain's national security and public safety. The proliferation of 'petaqueo' activities not only facilitates drug trafficking but also exacerbates security risks for both law enforcement personnel and the general public.
The PP has urged the government to implement more robust measures to address the challenges posed by 'petaqueo'. Narcolanchas can remain at sea for extended periods due to floating fuel stations, facilitating uninterrupted smuggling operations. The upcoming discussions are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the legislative and operational responses to this emerging threat.
The hearings are expected to provide a platform for detailed discussions on 'petaqueo'. Minister Marlaska and Director General González are anticipated to present information on the scope of 'petaqueo' activities, current enforcement strategies, and proposed legislative changes.
The request by the PP for parliamentary hearings underscores the significance of 'petaqueo' as a pressing issue in Spain's ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking. 'Petaqueo' is a practice used to introduce drugs such as hashish and cocaine into Spanish territory. The hearings will undoubtedly shed light on this issue and pave the way for more effective action against 'petaqueo' in the future.
