In spite of Organic Law 2/1986 of Security Forces and Corps, which assigns these responsibilities exclusively to the National Police and the Guardia Civil, leaving the Local Police (over which the municipal government does have decision power) a secondary role related to detection, prevention, and collaboration, PP and Vox want to wave the flag in 2026 of a competence in matters of citizen security that they are not legally entitled to, such as the fight against drug trafficking. Despite the fact that both coalition partners agree that the issue exists, the police coordination group, which meets once a month to address it, has not been able to accomplish the intended goals, such closing drug dens (because the law is quite lax in this area). Because the arrangement required making judgements that went beyond the purview of the police coordination committee itself, this has finally become the issue one of the red lines Vox set for the PP to sign the budget. In reality, because it includes an allocation of 800,000 euros, this was a topic of discussion on December 19th during the plenary session approving the 2026 expenditures and revenues due to its influence on the budget.
Additionally, we are dedicated to combating drug trafficking directly, without hesitation or gullibility. During the meeting, Aurora Rodil, the municipal spokesman for Vox, stated, “We want security for our neighbourhoods, for our children, and for our young people.” “Yesterday I was in Carrón, near the police station,” Pablo Ruz continued. This is accurate; the children told me yesterday night, “Mayor, you can truly see it!” It’s truly visible! It goes without saying that increased security investment is required. It is, of course. The PP and Vox have been acting in this manner. In response to opposition criticism during the session, mainly from the PSOE, Rodil and Ruz defended this increase in public spending, specifically within the fastest-growing item in the 2026 budget (payroll, which increases by 7 million euros to 108 million). Councilwoman Patricia Macià addressed the issue, saying: “What stands out in this budget is the increase in overtime pay under the Personnel section.” The local police are the primary audience for this. I am aware that it is for the reinforcements and the checks you wish to perform, or, to put it another way, the payment of temporary employees.”
Competencies
How does the Elche City Council plan to use the funds as it lacks jurisdiction over this matter? As the Socialist councilwoman said, it would be used for drug testing since, according to a spokeswoman, this is “fighting drug trafficking.” Indeed, according to the same source, the checks that were made this December already adhere to this model, which is distinguished by their “surprise” element; thus, further funding is required. These inspections will take place at odd times, such mid-afternoon on a Friday, and in less popular places, like the city centre. One such inspection was conducted on Ángel Street two weeks ago, which resulted in a roughly kilometre-long traffic delay due to the route acting as a bottleneck. Since identifying drivers who use drugs or are traffickers is known to be far more difficult than a quick breathalyser test, there is no information available regarding the operation’s outcomes or whether it assisted in the detection of numerous drug traffickers. The local administration is not offering any information on the anti-drug campaign or its outcomes, despite the fact that the checkpoints are already in place.
Author: Derek Appleton
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