Spanish Police Uncover Underground Firing Range Linked to Gun Smuggling Ring

Spanish police announced on Wednesday that they have dismantled an illegal underground firing range suspected to be run by a weapons trafficking organization. This discovery was made during a raid on a residence in Granada, where officers found the firing range situated three stories below ground level. The depth of the range concealed the sound of gunfire from local residents, leading authorities to note that this was the first instance of such an illegal facility operated by a criminal group in Spain.

The investigation revealed that the shooting range was likely used for testing firearms supplied to drug trafficking organizations, which used these weapons for defense against rival gangs. Police released footage of the raid that depicted officers navigating steep, narrow stairs in a cave-like setting as they gathered evidence. The operation was highlighted as a significant success in removing potentially lethal weapons from circulation, which could have been utilized in serious criminal activities.

Additionally, authorities indicated that the trafficking group had been marketing various firearms, including assault rifles and submachine guns, along with ammunition and tactical gear. During the raid, three individuals were apprehended, and law enforcement confiscated several weapons and over 60,000 euros in cash. Most of the confiscated firearms were reportedly discovered buried in a nearby field, preserved and ready for use. Investigators had been monitoring this location closely, acting on strong leads about firearms testing taking place there, and they suggested that more arrests could follow.

In a separate but related operation on the same day, police apprehended more than two dozen members of another gang involved in the cultivation and distribution of marijuana. The arrests were prompted after officials discovered videos posted on social media that showcased the suspects using weapons and displaying their affluent lifestyles, as noted by the Interior Ministry. Spain's geographical position as a major conduit for drug trafficking due to its connections with Latin America and proximity to Morocco, a leading cannabis producer, makes it a significant player in these criminal enterprises.