Organized crime in Spain has emerged as a significant and growing threat, impacting various sectors of society and the economy.

Criminal networks have expanded their operations beyond drug trafficking to include human trafficking, illegal arms shipments, terrorism, and money laundering, posing serious risks to public safety and order.

Spain's strategic location and historical connections with Ibero-America, alongside shifting geopolitical dynamics in Europe, have made it a focal point for these criminal organizations operating both nationally and internationally.

This situation has led to an increase in violence, gang-related disputes, corruption, and rising insecurity, particularly in vulnerable areas such as the Mediterranean coast, Andalucía, and the Canary Islands.

In response to this escalating situation, the Popular Party (PP) has urged the government to take decisive action against organized crime, presenting a non-legislative proposal in Congress aimed at coordinating an urgent response to curb the rise of these criminal activities.

The party is advocating for the establishment of a comprehensive national plan that designates "special zones" with specific measures designed to combat crime in the most affected areas.

According to the PP, this plan should be led by the State Security Forces in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, the judiciary, the Tax Agency, and other relevant bodies.

It is proposed that adaptable sub-plans be developed for critical areas such as the Strait of Gibraltar and the Canary Islands, with an emphasis on enhancing police intelligence, specialized training, and the interoperability of databases to improve the effectiveness of combating these networks.

The PP has warned that without a robust and coordinated response, Spain could follow the path of countries where organized violence has reached extreme levels, citing examples such as Mexico and the United States.

They highlight the need to reinforce human and material resources to prevent organized crime from further undermining security and social stability.

The party's position outlines the view that organized crime poses a significant threat to the rule of law, the economy, and the daily lives of citizens.

Among the specific measures detailed in the PP's proposal is an increase in the material resources dedicated to tackling organized crime, both in reactive and preventive capacities.

This includes equipping law enforcement with specialized personal gear, land, maritime, and aerial vehicles outfitted with advanced surveillance technology such as drones, high-speed boats, and helicopters.

The proposal also suggests utilizing military resources, advanced surveillance and listening systems, software for intercepting communications, and technologies to monitor encrypted phone lines.

Regarding human resources, the PP emphasizes the need to increase the number of agents in highly specialized units and modernize operational facilities in strategic areas, including the Civil Guard's Coastal and Border Surveillance Unit in critical locations like the Strait of Gibraltar, Galicia, Valencia, Gran Canaria, and the Cantabrian Sea, as well as police border posts.

Furthermore, the proposal suggests the creation of joint multidisciplinary task forces, both at the national and international levels, following models similar to those used in the United States for specific operations in targeted areas.

It also calls for regaining competent control over restricted areas and critical infrastructure at ports and airports in autonomous communities such as Catalonia and the Basque Country.

Lastly, the proposal gives special attention to the recent approval by the Interior Commission on February 28, 2024, for the government to classify the tasks performed by members of the National Police and the Civil Guard in the fight against organized crime as hazardous professions.

The proposal seeks to position this issue at the forefront of the political agenda and demands swift, comprehensive, and effective action from the executive branch.