The National Police in Spain has successfully dismantled a major cannabis cultivation operation housed within a block of squatted apartments in the Villaverde district of Madrid. Known for its organized structure, this family crime clan had set up 13 indoor marijuana grow operations, intimidating residents of the building in the process. The operation took place in the San Cristóbal neighborhood, specifically on Beniferri street, where all the involved properties were occupied and exclusively designated for illegal drug production.

The group referred to their set of buildings as 'La Oficina,' emphasizing the nature of their illicit activities. Neighbors living in the vicinity had reportedly been living in fear due to the intimidating presence of the suspects, who were exploiting these squatted properties for their cannabis farming. The operation has led to the arrest of five individuals connected to the clan, highlighting the ongoing issue of 'narcopisos,' or drug houses, within urban areas.

This incident raises concerns about the broader implications of drug crime in urban settings, as it underscores not only the challenges faced by local communities regarding safety and quality of life but also the intersection of squatting and organized crime. It reflects the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to target and dismantle such organized drug operations, which pose significant threats to neighborhood stability and public safety, while also sparking debate over housing policies and criminal justice responses in Spain.