Six illegal shacks in Son Banya used as drug sales points demolished

A hundred agents from the National and Local Police of Palma have participated in the demolition of six illegal shacks in the Son Banya settlement, used as drug sales points. During the operation, heroin, cocaine, and pills were seized, and a suspect was arrested.

Municipal workers, escorted by a hundred agents from the National and Local Police, have demolished six illegal shacks this afternoon at the entrance of the Son Banya settlement in Palma. The structures, built without a license, were used by drug trafficking clans as drug sales points.

Coordinated operation against drug trafficking

The intervention, which was carried out with high security measures to prevent confrontations, involved around twenty police vehicles. According to police sources, the operation had been in preparation for some time following the completion of demolition files. Judicial police officers executed search warrants in six of the shacks, where heroin, cocaine, and erectile dysfunction pills were seized, along with tools for drug manipulation and cash.

During the searches, officers arrested at least one suspect, allegedly in charge of drug sales. The municipal excavators have destroyed the makeshift structures, and slopes have been created on two of the streets to hinder car access and prevent the re-establishment of sales points.

A historical problem in Son Banya

Son Banya, a shanty town on the outskirts of Palma, has been a drug sales hotspot for decades. The demolished shacks were located at the main entrance, a strategic spot for drug dealers. Local residents have applauded the action, although they fear that the clans will seek new locations. "It’s a step forward, but it won’t be the last," a community spokesperson stated.

This Thursday's operation adds to previous actions, such as the partial eviction of the settlement in 2023, which did not eradicate the problem. The City Council of Palma has assured that it will maintain surveillance in the area to prevent the re-emergence of sales points. "We will not allow them to be rebuilt," municipal sources have stated.

For the residents of Palma, this action represents relief in the fight against drug trafficking, although concern persists. Neighbours from nearby areas, such as Son Roca and Son Xigala, are the most affected by criminal activity. The Local Police have announced periodic checks at the entrances to the settlement.

The intervention has been coordinated by the Anti-Drug Prosecutor's Office, which has supervised the searches. Officers have worked discreetly to avoid alerting the drug dealers, and the operation concluded without serious incidents. The arrested suspect will be brought before a judge in the coming hours.

Local residents can contact the Local Police via phone 092 to report any suspicious activity. The City Council has set up an anonymous mailbox on its website for reports related to drug trafficking.