Raid at Palma Cathedral: Five Containers of Counterfeit Goods Seized

During an operation around Parc de la Mar, officers seized large quantities of counterfeit products. The city emphasizes that crackdowns remain necessary — and costly for buyers.

Massive Shipment of Counterfeits at the Cathedral — Police Move In

On Thursday morning, shortly after eight o'clock, the area around Palma's Cathedral was busy again: motorcycle patrols, uniformed officers, technicians with drones — and in the end five large containers filled with seized goods. The operation took place between Parc de la Mar and the old city walls (Dalt Murada), an area popular with tourists and street vendors alike.

On site, there were no pushy sellers to be seen, but officers loading bags, sunglasses and hundreds of pairs of shoes into large boxes. Eyewitnesses report stacks of counterfeit branded items, but also everyday goods that were apparently offered illegally. "It looked like a warehouse on wheels," said a café owner on Passeig del Born, who appeared relieved — but also tired: "The game starts again right away."

Why the operation matters

The city administration reminds that stricter rules have been in force since May 2025: street selling of certain goods is prohibited, and not only the sellers but now buyers can be fined as well. The police emphasize that this is about safety, consumer protection and fair conditions for storefront businesses.

The deployed units worked in a coordinated fashion: motorcycle patrols, civilian teams and aerial surveillance by drone ensured the operation did not drag on for hours. According to authorities, the seized items filled five large containers — a logistical effort that shows how extensive illegal trade has become here.

The cat-and-mouse game continues

Despite these operations, the problem remains visible: as soon as the police presence is over, some dealers spread out their blankets again. In places like the cathedral, on shopping streets or beaches, there are always new attempts. Local businesspeople therefore demand not only controls but sustainable solutions — mere presence is often not enough.

An older shopkeeper who has worked on the Born for decades put it plainly: "We have the same theater every summer. Customers don't want fakes, but the prices are tempting. And in the end, not only the brands, but also the honest merchants end up frustrated."

What happens to the goods

The confiscated items will now serve as evidence; some will be stored, others destroyed. Legal action against organized suppliers is possible — and authorities do not rule out that investigations in the coming weeks could have further consequences.

Visitors to the area should watch out. A street bargain can become more expensive later when fines come into play. For residents and shopkeepers, there is hope that regular checks will eventually become the rule rather than just a news item.

On-site reporting: a Palma-based editor who observed the scene on a breezy morning by the sea.