Netflix once again enters the dark waters of drug trafficking in Galicia with its new series ‘Clanes’, which brings together reality and fiction. semolina background.

Starring Clara Lago and Tamar Novas, who both deliver superb performances, this production examines the world of smuggling and drug trafficking in Rías Baixas and intertwines stories of forbidden love with the harsh reality of organized crime.

Because this is important. ‘Clanes’ is not just a series about drug trafficking. The relevance of this is how it combines elements of real Galician drug trafficking cases into a fictional vision that, while intriguing, may create some confusion about the events that inspired it.

This merging of reality and fiction, in addition to 2018’s excellent ‘Fariña,’ is also fueling interest in the subject, but it needs some context to understand where facts end and fantasy begins.

A brief review. The series is particularly captivating because of the chemistry of its heroes and the great work of the supporting cast, who provide depth as well as being visually gorgeous. Galicia always makes it easy.

However, having a somewhat inconsistent narrative due to forced coincidences and incredible plot, as well as the misuse of some clichés, makes drug trafficking stories predictable for those who already know them, and puts drug trafficking stories first and foremost in the foreground. romantic drama versus narco drama.

Many known and judged events inspire ‘Clans’:

Operation Nécora

It is the starting point of the series. It was 1990 and it was a turning point in the persecution of organized crime in Galicia.

Led by Judge Garzón and Prosecutor Javier Zaragoza, the group mobilized more than 300 agents deployed in Pontevedra and sought to dismantle the main drug trafficking networks operating in the region, taking advantage of the traditional tobacco smuggling route to smuggle cocaine into Spain.

This operation resulted in the arrest of major bosses such as Laureano Oubiña, but other important drug traffickers such as Sito Miñanco managed to escape.

This episode serves as a backdrop for the plot of ‘Clans’, but there is a fair amount of creative freedom in its representation.

Image: Netflix.

padin case

One of the keys to the success of Operation Nécora was the cooperation of repentant drug traffickers or those seeking redemption when cornered. Among them, Manuel Fernández Padín stands out, whose testimony was crucial in dismantling drug trafficking networks.

In ‘Clans’, the screenwriters chose to use the surname ‘Padín’ for the protagonist family, mixing real elements with fictional characters and subplots.

This narrative decision has a positive side: It allows you to play with the expectations of the audience who already know the real story. At the same time, Galicia is creating a new mythology around drug trafficking.

The story of Tania Varela and David Pérez Lago

Of course, it is one of the real cases that most inspired the plot of the series. This case, which occurred in the mid-2000s, has many parallels with the relationship between Ana and Daniel (Clara Lago and Tamar Novas).

Tania was a lawyer who moved to Cambados to run the Women’s Information Centre. There she met David, the stepson of the famous drug trafficker Laureano Oubiña. The love affair involved him in the criminal world, which led to his conviction and inclusion on Europol’s wanted list.

While this tale of forbidden love and fall from grace is a clear inspiration for Ana’s narrative arc, there’s a lot of creative liberties taken in the development of the series.

Minanco Site

He is not the direct protagonist of ‘Clanes’, but his figure looms large in the series. His story, particularly his transition from drug dealer to Andalusian parking lot worker while serving his third degree in prison, completely inspires one of the characters in the series.

Miñanco, the main protagonist of ‘Fariña’, represents the archetype of the Galician drug trafficker: humble beginnings in smuggling and rise to become one of the main introducers of cocaine to Europe.

Differences with ‘Fariña’

First of all, ‘Fariña’ comes from Nacho Carretero’s wonderful book about drug trafficking in Galicia. ‘Clanes’ uses drug trafficking in Galicia as the backdrop for what remains a romantic drama.

It is a very entertaining and accurate series for the casual viewer, but it should not be perceived as a faithful representation of historical events. Its value lies not in its historical accuracy but in its ability to generate discussion about a turbulent period in Galician history.

Image: Netflix.

Another question is whether this discussion of an old, legalized, albeit secret, process is still necessary. Ultimately, ‘Clans’ reminds us of how the entertainment industry can use real events as starting points to create compelling fiction, raising the question of the balance between historical truth and creative freedom.

Those who want to know the history of drug trafficking in Galicia will prefer ‘Fariña’, there is no debate. ‘Clanes’ are not trying to invade his space, his intentions are different and there is nothing wrong with that, it is just advisable to keep each of their motivations in mind.

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