In recent months, the Costa del Sol, particularly in cities like Marbella, Mijas, Fuengirola, and Estepona, has seen a spike in gun-related incidents, most of which are directly linked to drug trafficking. In February, a man with his face covered by a ski mask shot two compatriots in a street near Puerto Banús, marking the first in a series of shootings in the area. Despite the increase in gun violence, there has only been one fatality so far this year, compared to over twenty deaths in previous years. The majority of the incidents involve young individuals, as carrying a pistol has become almost a norm among drug traffickers in the region.
The normalization of firearms has led to situations like a shootout in a shisha lounge near Puerto Banús in March. Two rival drug trafficking groups clashed inside the establishment, resulting in one individual being shot in the knee. This escalated into an exchange of up to 20 shots that spilled onto the streets, leaving a 20-year-old seriously injured. Such incidents are not uncommon, with firearms being commonly found during drug trafficking operations. This normalization of gun violence has created an atmosphere of fear and instability in cities like Estepona, where drug-related incidents have been on the rise.
The police have been actively investigating these incidents, such as the recent fatal shooting of a Belgian man during a house party in Estepona. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities looking into the illegal parties being hosted in exclusive neighborhoods like El Paraíso. In May, another man was wounded by gunfire in a similar neighbourhood, highlighting the growing presence of firearms in upscale areas that have attracted drug traffickers seeking luxury homes to operate from. The police have been working towards cracking down on such activities and have made several arrests in high-profile locations.
The surge in gun violence in the region has prompted the Ministry of Interior to initiate the ‘Plan Marbella’, which includes random checks in hotspots, increased police presence, reinforcements from other provinces, and visible police actions like arrests and identifications in public places. The plan has been effective in Marbella, where there have been no gun-related incidents since its implementation, instilling a sense of security among the residents and creating unease among criminals. Despite the success of the plan, tension still lingers in cities like Estepona and Fuengirola, where gun violence continues to be a pressing issue.
While the police presence has helped mitigate gun violence in Marbella, incidents in neighboring cities like Estepona and Mijas persist, with individuals avoiding police involvement and preferring to settle disputes among themselves, often resorting to gunfire. The police continue to investigate these incidents while maintaining a visible presence in key areas frequented by drug traffickers. The recent spate of shootings in the Costa del Sol has underscored the need for enhanced law enforcement efforts to combat the proliferation of firearms and drug-related crimes in the region.
Overall, the situation in the Costa del Sol remains tense as gun violence continues to be a significant problem, particularly in cities known for drug trafficking activities. While police efforts like ‘Plan Marbella’ have been effective in curbing incidents in certain areas, challenges remain in stemming the flow of illegal firearms and combating drug-related violence. Authorities continue to work towards maintaining public safety and combating organized crime in the region, as incidents of gun violence remain a top priority for law enforcement agencies.
