Spanish police arrest three in Seville province over suspected war weapons trafficking

Officers seized an AK-47 assault rifle and an M80 anti-tank rocket launcher, both in working order, and allegedly destined for organisations linked to drug trafficking. Police in Spain have arrested three people in the province of Seville over their alleged involvement in trafficking weapons of war. During the sting, officers seized an AK-47 assault rifle and an M80 anti-tank rocket launcher, both in working order, and allegedly destined for criminal organisations linked to drug trafficking. According to an official statement, the investigation began last June, when officers became aware of a possible network devoted to marketing this type of weaponry. Initial enquiries led to the identification of several individuals based in Dos Hermanas who allegedly acted as intermediaries between weapons suppliers and potential buyers. One of the main suspects was responsible for arranging contacts. According to the investigation, the price of assault rifles on the illegal market could reach €6,000 per unit. During a surveillance operation, officers spotted two suspects travelling in a vehicle. When they noticed the police presence, both tried to flee and threw a bag onto the road. Inside it officers found a 7.62-millimetre calibre AK-47 and a 64-millimetre calibre M80 anti-tank rocket launcher. The two occupants were arrested and a third arrest was later made in connection with the brokering of the weapons. The operation included four house searches, three in Dos Hermanas and one in Seville. The three detainees were brought before the Investigating Court acting as Duty Court in Dos Hermanas.