"Ghost weapons emerge as a growing concern in Spanish security."

"Ghost guns" are emerging as a concerning issue in the realm of public safety in Spain. Although their impact is not yet comparable to the crisis faced by other countries, such as the United States, authorities are alert to a phenomenon that is beginning to take shape. The recent news of the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson by an individual using a gun made with a 3D printer has brought the problem of these weapons, characterized by their lack of identification and easy accessibility, to the forefront. The development of technologies such as 3D printing has facilitated the creation of homemade weapons that can be assembled from kits available online. These firearms, which lack a serial number and are difficult to trace, pose a significant challenge for law enforcement. Pedro Carmona, secretary of Communication for the Unified Association of Civil Guards (AUGC), warns that while the situation in Spain is not alarming, there has been a "progressive increase" in crimes associated with these lethal tools. In the Spanish context, the Civil Guard has dismantled several clandestine workshops dedicated to the manufacture of 3D weapons, the first of which was shut down in Tenerife in 2021. This workshop housed not only a 3D printer but also manuals, molds, and various materials used in weapon manufacturing. In the most recent operation, 42 firearms and a considerable amount of ammunition and explosives were seized. However, "ghost guns" represent only a small fraction of the approximately 8,000 illegal weapons confiscated annually in the country. The figures are revealing: there are over 2.6 million registered firearms in Spain, the majority of which are shotguns and sporting rifles. This suggests that, despite the increase in homemade weapon manufacturing, control over firearm possession remains relatively effective. Nevertheless, the ease of accessing the plans and materials needed can become an open door for those with criminal intentions. The phenomenon of "ghost guns" is fueled by the proliferation of online information, including tutorials and guides on how to manufacture these pistols. A military gunsmith, who wishes to remain anonymous, claims that someone with the right skills can obtain the plans for a weapon in a matter of minutes. This access to information is concerning, as it allows criminals to acquire and assemble weapons without the need for a regulated channel. The AUGC spokesperson highlights that most essential parts for manufacturing these weapons can be found on online marketplaces, often in the black market. While authorities can track certain online movements, criminals are clever and seek parts that are not considered critical components of a weapon, making it difficult to monitor their activities. Despite being less precise and more prone to malfunctions, "ghost guns" are equally dangerous. The gunsmith warns that, although their design is basic, they can be lethal at close range and pose a significant risk to those handling them and to others. The speed at which these weapons can be assembled and used complicates the work of law enforcement, who must deal with a type of weaponry that can be easily discarded after use. The profile of those who manufacture or possess these weapons is varied. On one hand, there are members of organized crime seeking undetectable weaponry for illegal activities. On the other hand, common criminals see these weapons as an economical and discreet option for accessing firearms. This duality in user profiles highlights the versatility and appeal of "ghost guns" to different types of criminals. Despite the growing concern, experts agree that, for now, this phenomenon represents a low-intensity threat in Spain. Most illegal firearms used in crimes come from other countries, and while the manufacturing of homemade weapons is on the rise, their use is limited to specific cases. The current situation requires authorities to maintain constant monitoring and develop effective strategies to address this issue, which, although still in its infancy, could evolve if appropriate measures are not taken.