Police stop new drug shacks in Son Banya — residents briefly breathe a sigh of relief

Police stop rebuilding: Son Banya remains under surveillance

Late Tuesday afternoon, around 5:30 p.m., another operation in Son Banya caused a stir. City workers had earlier demolished six illegal shacks in which, according to officers, goods for sale and prepared narcotics were reportedly found. Less than an hour later, some residents apparently tried to erect new shelters on the same site — but the police intervened.

Materials secured, food truck discovered

On site, officers secured building materials: boards, nails, tarpaulins. An unlicensed food truck was also confiscated. A resident who passed by the edge of the site on the Camí de Son Banya described the scene as a "small tumult" — men with hammers, raised voices, quick movements. The police cleared the area and prevented new shacks from being permanently installed.

The city had the first illegal structures removed with bulldozers and municipal work crews. In photos that circulated shortly afterward, volume packets could be seen that appeared to be pre-packaged and ready for sale. How much and which substances were found is still being examined.

Permanent surveillance announced

After the incident, police announced they would permanently monitor the site going forward. Patrol cars remained nearby into the evening, and according to officers, regular checks are to take place. Whether that will be sufficient is unclear — in Son Banya improvised shelters have been set up and torn down repeatedly for years.

The situation is complex: in addition to police presence, experts call for social measures. Social workers, healthcare services and low-threshold assistance are regularly demanded by residents and activists. The debate sits closely on the border between public safety and humanitarian responsibility.

For people in the surrounding neighborhoods, for example along the Ctra. de Sineu and the side streets, this means for now: more patrols, sporadic periods of calm — and the hope that short, hectic cleanup operations will not repeatedly come to nothing. The city and police are now awaiting reports from the responsible specialist departments before further steps are decided.