Juanma Moreno urges Pedro Sánchez to restore the OCON-Sur anti-drug unit as concerns grow over drug trafficking and violence in Andalucía.

Moreno Calls for Stronger Action Against Drug Trafficking

Andalusian President Juanma Moreno has urged Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to restore the OCON-Sur anti-drug unit. The Guardia Civil created the specialized team to fight major drug trafficking networks in southern Spain.

Moreno sent a letter to Sánchez on Sunday, August 23. In the letter, he expressed concern about the recent activity of drug trafficking groups across Andalucía. He also argued that security forces need more resources to confront these criminal organizations.

According to Moreno, the problem no longer affects only one area. Instead, drug trafficking networks now operate along much of the Andalusian coast and in some inland areas.

Why Moreno Wants OCON-Sur Back

OCON-Sur started operating in 2018. The Guardia Civil created the unit to coordinate major operations against drug trafficking in southern Spain.

The unit included around 150 officers and took part in major investigations between 2018 and 2022. During that period, authorities arrested several prominent drug traffickers. Drug seizures also increased significantly.

However, the Interior Ministry dissolved the unit in September 2022. Officials described the decision as part of a restructuring of Guardia Civil operations.

Moreno now argues that restoring the OCON-Sur anti-drug unit would strengthen the fight against organized crime. Moreover, he believes its previous work helped contain drug trafficking networks.

Recent Violence Raises Concerns

Recent violent incidents have increased political concern about security in Andalucía.

In his letter, Moreno referred to a fatal shooting in Utrera. He also mentioned the deaths of three people in Isla Cristina. Furthermore, he remembered four Guardia Civil officers who died while fighting drug trafficking in Barbate and Huelva during the past two years.

Therefore, Moreno called the situation a serious security challenge. He wants the central government to provide stronger resources and an effective response.

He also warned about the social impact of organized crime. According to Moreno, drug trafficking groups can exploit vulnerable communities for logistical support and distribution activities.

Spanish Government Pushes Back

However, the Spanish government’s representative in Andalucía rejected Moreno’s criticism.

Government delegate Pedro Fernández argued that Moreno overlooked the work already carried out by Spain’s security forces. Fernández also said OCON-Sur was originally a temporary structure. According to him, authorities later integrated its personnel into a permanent Guardia Civil structure in 2022.

Fernández also highlighted the Special Security Plan for Campo de Gibraltar. In addition, he said Andalucía currently has nearly 30,500 Guardia Civil and National Police officers, about 4,096 more than in 2018.

Debate Over Anti-Drug Strategy Continues

The dispute highlights different views on how Spain should fight drug trafficking in Andalucía. Moreno wants the government to restore a dedicated elite unit. Meanwhile, the central government’s representative argues that the current structure already incorporates OCON-Sur’s personnel and functions.

Still, both sides recognize the importance of fighting organized crime. As drug trafficking remains a major security concern, the debate over resources, policing strategies and specialized units is likely to continue.