The National Police have removed 1,235 bladed weapons from the streets of Madrid in the second quarter of 2026, a 13% increase compared to the previous year. Most are purchased on Chinese e-commerce platforms for prices ranging from €8 to €80.
A tactical machete for €20, an automatic knife for €30, or a replica military knife for under €80. Obtaining a bladed weapon in Madrid has never been so easy or so cheap. The National Police confiscated 1,235 bladed weapons in the Community of Madrid during the second quarter of 2026, representing a 13% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Almost fourteen weapons a day, most acquired through online sales platforms of Chinese origin.
E-commerce: the gateway for bladed weapons
Security forces have detected that most of these weapons arrive by postal mail from Asian countries, declared at customs as "tools" or "kitchen utensils" to evade controls. According to police sources, "not all bladed weapons are detected due to the immense number of orders arriving each day," unlike what happens with firearms.
The sales websites themselves include phrases in their descriptions such as "comply with the applicable laws and regulations in your jurisdiction" to limit their liability. But, in practice, anyone can purchase a military-grade machete for about €30, or an automatic knife (prohibited in Spain since 1993) for €20 on second-hand portals like Milanuncios, where they are often advertised as "collectibles."
"For eight euros you can buy a machete in Madrid... it's a ridiculous price," warn police sources.
In fact, the confiscated automatic knives have increased by 68% compared to the previous year, with 52 units seized just in the last quarter. The imitation military knives and machetes, totaling 226, have more varied origins: China remains the main supplier, but materials also come from Pakistan, India, and, in recent operations, from the Balkans.
Hotspots: Usera-Villaverde, Puente de Vallecas, and Alcalá de Henares
Data published by the Superior Police Headquarters allows for a mapping of violence in the region. The Usera-Villaverde police station tops the list with 161 weapons confiscated, followed by Puente de Vallecas (115) and Alcalá de Henares (102). Further back are Centro (74) and Carabanchel (67).
For residents of these districts, the feeling of insecurity is palpable. "One does not expect to encounter a machete in a park, but it happens here," comments a resident of Usera. The ease of access to these weapons, combined with the presence of Latin gangs in the area, has raised alarms.
Agricultural bladed weapons, such as machetes or pruning knives, can be legally purchased in physical stores in Madrid for prices around eight euros. "They are easily accessible tools and can be bought in dozens of stores," sources indicate. A cost and risk much lower than obtaining a firearm.
A persistent problem: what can be done?
The increase in confiscations reflects a structural problem. Online platforms, operating from abroad, largely escape the control of Spanish authorities. Customs, overwhelmed by the volume of packages, cannot inspect every shipment. And second-hand pages, although they prohibit the sale of weapons, do not always filter advertisements correctly.
The National Police have intensified operations in hot spots, but demand continues to grow. For the average citizen, the recommendation is clear: if you see a bladed weapon on the street or suspect illegal sales, call 091. Meanwhile, authorities are studying measures to strengthen customs controls and demand greater responsibility from online sales platforms.
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