GIRONA, Spain — Catalan police discovered 12 Kalashnikov assault rifles hidden in the trunk of an abandoned luxury vehicle during a routine patrol on the AP-7 highway near Figueres early Wednesday morning, prompting an intensive manhunt for two suspects of North African origin who fled the scene, according to official statements from the Mossos d’Esquadra.
Violent Teen Gang Terrorizes Manresa With Assaults And Robberies; 35 Arrests In One Month
The incident occurred around 1:40 a.m. when officers conducting a routine control observed a Porsche Cayenne with French license plates parked at a rest area along the AP-7 in the municipality of Figueres, Girona province. As police approached the vehicle to identify its occupant, a man inside the car fled on foot, running to a nearby Citroën C4 parked in the same area. The vehicle was being driven by an accomplice, and both individuals quickly escaped southward in the direction of Barcelona before officers could intercept them.
Following the suspects’ escape, Mossos d’Esquadra agents searched the abandoned Porsche Cayenne, which was found unlocked but without keys inside. In the trunk, officers discovered two bags containing a dozen long firearms. Preliminary assessments indicate the weapons are AK-47 assault rifles or similar models of Soviet origin, commonly known as Kalashnikovs. Various documents found inside the vehicle are believed to belong to the fleeing suspect, described as a Maghrebi approximately 30 years old.
“The discovery of this quantity of military-grade weapons represents a significant seizure and underscores the ongoing threat posed by armed criminal organizations,” said a spokesperson for the Mossos d’Esquadra. “We are working around the clock to identify and apprehend those responsible.”
The weapons and vehicle were transported to the Figueres Police facilities for comprehensive forensic examination, including fingerprint analysis and ballistic testing. Girona’s Criminal Investigation Division (DIC) has taken charge of the case and launched an investigation to determine both the origin of the weapons and their intended destination.
Scientific units are currently working to verify whether the firearms are functional and capable of being discharged. Authorities are also attempting to identify the weapons’ owners and trace their trafficking route. At present, the primary investigative focus centers on locating the man whose documentation was found in the Porsche and establishing the identity of both fugitives.
No arrests have been made thus far, and police have not determined whether the suspects were transporting additional weapons in the Citroën C4 used for their escape, according to sources familiar with the investigation who spoke to El Caso.
The seizure has heightened concerns among Catalan security forces about the proliferation of military-grade weapons in the region. During the recent celebration of Police Day for the Girona Police Region, Commissioner Silvia Catà warned of an alarming increase in long weapons, particularly AK-47 and AK-74 assault rifles, which are appearing with growing frequency in the hands of criminal organizations and drug trafficking networks operating in Catalonia.
🟥Detenidos dos hombres de origen marroquí que transportaban dos fusiles AK-47 en la AP-7 en Girona en un coche con matrícula francesa. Al parecer los fusiles estaban inutilizados. El número de bastidor del vehículo no coincide. pic.twitter.com/S1ZYh7wzua
— PLATAFORMA CIU. (@Cuerpospolicia1) January 30, 2023
“These weapons are no longer rare finds; they are becoming increasingly common in criminal operations,” Commissioner Catà stated. “This trend represents a serious threat to public safety and requires coordinated, robust law enforcement responses.”
The AP-7 highway, which runs along Spain’s Mediterranean coast from the French border to Andalusia, has historically been used by trafficking networks to transport illicit goods, including drugs, weapons, and contraband. The route’s proximity to the French border and major ports makes it strategically significant for transnational criminal operations.
Under Spanish law, illegal possession of military-grade weapons constitutes a serious criminal offense that can carry substantial prison sentences. Prosecutors will evaluate evidence regarding the weapons’ functionality, the suspects’ intent, and any connections to broader criminal networks when determining appropriate charges.
The Mossos d’Esquadra has appealed to the public for assistance, asking anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity near the AP-7 rest area in Figueres during the early morning hours of Wednesday to come forward. Even seemingly minor details—such as descriptions of vehicles, directions of travel, or unusual behavior—could prove valuable in identifying the suspects.
“We ask citizens to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to authorities,” the police spokesperson added. “Community cooperation is essential to combating organized crime and ensuring public safety.”
The incident also raises questions about cross-border trafficking routes and international cooperation in combating weapons smuggling. Spanish authorities typically coordinate with French counterparts, Europol, and other international law enforcement agencies when investigating cases involving transnational criminal networks.
For residents of Girona and surrounding areas, the discovery of military-grade weapons has prompted both concern and reassurance. “It’s unsettling to know that weapons like these are moving through our communities,” said one local resident who requested anonymity. “At the same time, we’re grateful that police were able to intercept them before they could be used for criminal purposes.”
Security experts note that the presence of AK-47 rifles in Spain often indicates connections to international trafficking networks that source weapons from conflict zones or regions with lax gun control. These weapons are frequently used by drug trafficking organizations for protection, intimidation, and inter-gang conflicts.
“The proliferation of assault rifles in criminal hands represents an escalation in the firepower available to illegal organizations,” said a Barcelona-based security analyst who requested anonymity. “This trend requires not only robust enforcement but also international cooperation to disrupt supply chains at their source.”
As the investigation continues, authorities have committed to providing updates as significant developments occur. The Criminal Investigation Division is working to trace the weapons’ origin, identify all individuals involved in the trafficking operation, and prevent additional weapons from entering criminal circulation.
Further updates regarding arrests, forensic findings, and connections to broader criminal networks are expected as the Mossos d’Esquadra advances its investigation.
Attempted Tourist Robbery In Barcelona Ends In Fatal Stabbing
Note: This report is based on official statements from the Mossos d’Esquadra, verified local media accounts including El Caso, and security sources. The identities of suspects have not been disclosed in accordance with Spanish privacy laws and presumption of innocence principles. All individuals mentioned in connection with criminal activity are presumed innocent until proven guilty under judicial proceedings. Details regarding ongoing investigations remain subject to judicial protocols.
Reporting from Girona. Additional contributions from Barcelona-based public safety correspondents and organized crime analysts.
