The tranquil streets of Sant Antoni, once known for their vibrant nightlife and excessive tourism, are now plagued by a different menace. Laughing gas (balloons), or nitrous oxide, has become a popular recreational drug, openly sold by vendors near entertainment venues. This issue, coupled with a rise in street robberies, poses significant challenges for the desired transformation of Sant Antoni. In this article, we delve into the details of these problems and explore the impact they have on the town’s evolution.

The Laughing Gas Epidemic in Sant Antoni

Walking along the Passeig de s’Arenal, one cannot ignore the multitude of men stationed outside entertainment establishments, brazenly selling doses of laughing gas for €5 per puff. These vendors, equipped with bottles of nitrous oxide, offer colored balloons already inflated, ready for tourists to inhale before entering the venues. Laughing gas induces euphoria, relaxation, and even hallucinations, but its effects are short-lived. This recreational drug, initially used in culinary applications, has now infiltrated the town’s social fabric, posing a significant challenge to public safety and well-being.

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These vendors operate discreetly as well. They strategically position themselves near litter bins and planters, concealing their supplies for nocturnal activities. In some instances, one can witness them digging in the dirt, unearthing bags filled with capsules and other substances. This well-organized operation includes a woman with a shopping cart, who supplies the vendors spending hours in front of the establishments. The proliferation of laughing gas sales during daylight hours is concerning, especially when families with young children and elderly individuals are present.

The Darkness of Night and Rising Robberies

As night falls, the veil of darkness provides cover for criminals, ushering in a wave of robberies. Particularly during the initial months of the season, the problem reached alarming levels. Although the situation has somewhat improved with the increased presence of the Sant Antoni Local Police and reinforcements from the Civil Guard, it has not been fully eradicated. From mid-May to July 3, the Sant Antoni Local Police initiated 94 judicial proceedings, including 29 related to the sale of laughing gas in Sant Antoni and 15 for drug trafficking. While the recent police presence has had a positive impact, certain shaded areas remain vulnerable.

The main street, Carrer Santa Agnès, benefits from more private surveillance, offering a relatively safer environment. However, the secondary streets, devoid of establishments, pose a significant danger. Street thefts, executed using the infamous “Method Ronaldinho,” have witnessed an upsurge. In this technique, thieves destabilize tourists by inserting their leg between their legs, causing them to lose balance and enabling theft. Wallets, watches, and other valuables fall victim to this modus operandi. Perpetrators are often seasonal visitors, descending upon the town solely to engage in such criminal activities. The only way to effectively combat this issue is through a constant police presence.

Winds of Change in Sant Antoni

Despite the challenges posed by insecurity and drug sales, Sant Antoni is gradually embracing a transformation. Notably, the town has diversified its tourist demographics, witnessing an influx of visitors from various nationalities and age groups. Unlike previous years, where the British contingent dominated, Sant Antoni now hosts tourists from different backgrounds. The increased presence of visitors above the age of 30 and 40 is a clear testament to this shift. Local entrepreneurs attest to these changes, noting that former bar-centric establishments have transitioned into restaurants or prioritized outdoor terraces to accommodate groups of friends.

A prominent businessman with multiple establishments in the West End area acknowledges that the situation has calmed down since late June and early July, primarily due to the heightened presence of local police and civil guards. Nevertheless, concerns persist, as organized groups targeting tourists have issued threats to business owners. This unprecedented level of danger has left many entrepreneurs worried. Even after three decades of operation, one proprietor admits to having encountered such threats for the first time. As a precaution, security personnel now accompany waitstaff during late-night closures to ensure their safety.

Impediments on the Road to Change

The ongoing transformation in Sant Antoni is evident, yet progress remains gradual. Several businesses have sought financial aid to shift their focus from bars to restaurants, underscoring the town’s commitment to reshape its image. The influx of Dutch, German, and other nationalities on Sant Antoni’s streets is a sign of the changing tide. Although excessive tourism persists, it has significantly reduced compared to previous years when the town was synonymous with pub crawls and hordes of inebriated youths. While the new model is promising, it requires time and effort to fully materialize.

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Laughing Gas in Sant Antoni, robberies…

Sant Antoni is at a crossroads, striving to regenerate while grappling with persistent hurdles. Insecurity, exacerbated by muggings, drug sales, and uncontrolled alcohol consumption, poses ongoing challenges to the town’s desired transformation. The presence of laughing gas vendors openly selling their wares and the rise in street robberies cast a shadow on Sant Antoni’s path to change. However, there are encouraging signs of progress and a genuine desire for transformation within the community. The road ahead may be long, but the determination to overcome these obstacles remains steadfast.

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