In the midst of the state of emergency due to the coronavirus, the interception of the ship MV Karar with 3,824 kilos of cocaine was not only another provocation by drug traffickers in the midst of an unprecedented increase in drug seizures that began in the mid-2010s. This operation marks another uncharted chapter in the history of Galician drug trafficking. The case has recently gone to trial, but it is overshadowed by the recent arrest of the agent who was the chief responsible for the operation, and who is allegedly involved in a corrupt police scheme in collusion with Colombian drug suppliers. The serious implication of this policeman, who is the main witness for the prosecution, has cast doubt on the investigation he led against the group allegedly commanded by Juan Carlos Santorum, and threatens the case against the 28 drug traffickers involved. The defense lawyers are attempting to dismantle the prosecution’s arguments, criticizing the fact that the inspector is facing more charges than the defendants in the case.
The trial began with the focus on the agent who was arrested on March 23rd, with the 11 defense lawyers of the accused questioning the entire investigation. The inspector, who had been linked to the Special Response Group against Organized Crime (Greco) in Galicia for 20 years and was responsible for the Karar operation, stated that he would not be able to testify in court due to health reasons. The inspector, who is on bail, was arrested in Vigo by the National Police’s Internal Affairs Unit. He is allegedly involved in a scheme to smuggle cocaine along the coast of Murcia. The charges include membership in a criminal organization, bribery, money laundering, disclosure of secrets, and neglect of duty to pursue crimes. The inspector was stationed in Colombia as a liaison officer for the Spanish embassy shortly after concluding the Karar investigation.
The defense lawyers have raised concerns about the credibility of the inspector and the potential impact his situation may have on the case being tried. They have requested confirmation from the National Police of an investigation into this agent and the crimes he is accused of. The defense has also challenged numerous decisions made during the investigation, claiming that fundamental rights of the accused were violated. They are seeking the annulment of several measures, including phone taps, surveillance, and the boarding of the MV Karar without authorization from Togo, the flag country of the ship.
The main accused, Juan Carlos Santorum, is known for his history as an informant and for his alleged involvement in bribery. The prosecution is seeking lengthy prison sentences and fines for all the accused, with Santorum facing the most severe punishment. The trial continues with the defense questioning the integrity of the investigation and the credibility of the main witness. The outcome of the trial remains uncertain, especially with the recent developments involving the arrested inspector. It is a complex case that sheds light on the intricate web of drug trafficking operations, police corruption, and legal challenges in the fight against organized crime.
