Spanish Police Seize Record Cocaine Haul in Atlantic
Law enforcement intercepts suspected 40-ton cocaine shipment, arrests over 20 individuals.
Spanish authorities have reportedly seized what is believed to be the country's largest cocaine haul from a ship operating in the Atlantic Ocean.
According to sources from the main union of the Civil Guard, approximately 35 to 40 tons of cocaine were confiscated after the vessel was intercepted in international waters near the Canary Islands.
The operation resulted in the arrest of around 20 people.
The boat, which had set sail from Freetown, Sierra Leone, and was reportedly bound for Benghazi, Libya, is currently being inspected on the Canary Islands.
Union sources suggested that the cocaine was intended to be transferred onto smaller vessels for distribution across Europe due to logistical constraints associated with unloading such a large quantity in a single location.
This method of operation allegedly involves international drug trafficking networks.
Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska described the seizure as one of the largest both nationally and internationally, although he did not provide additional details.
The investigation is under legal secrecy due to a court order, as stated by AUGC sources.
The Civil Guard has not officially confirmed the specifics of the operation.
Spain's strategic position relative to Latin America and its proximity to Morocco, a major cannabis producer, make it a critical entry point for illicit drugs entering Europe.
Previous notable seizures include 13 tons of cocaine from a container ship arriving at Algeciras in 2024, and nearly 10 tons confiscated from a ship in January.
According to sources from the main union of the Civil Guard, approximately 35 to 40 tons of cocaine were confiscated after the vessel was intercepted in international waters near the Canary Islands.
The operation resulted in the arrest of around 20 people.
The boat, which had set sail from Freetown, Sierra Leone, and was reportedly bound for Benghazi, Libya, is currently being inspected on the Canary Islands.
Union sources suggested that the cocaine was intended to be transferred onto smaller vessels for distribution across Europe due to logistical constraints associated with unloading such a large quantity in a single location.
This method of operation allegedly involves international drug trafficking networks.
Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska described the seizure as one of the largest both nationally and internationally, although he did not provide additional details.
The investigation is under legal secrecy due to a court order, as stated by AUGC sources.
The Civil Guard has not officially confirmed the specifics of the operation.
Spain's strategic position relative to Latin America and its proximity to Morocco, a major cannabis producer, make it a critical entry point for illicit drugs entering Europe.
Previous notable seizures include 13 tons of cocaine from a container ship arriving at Algeciras in 2024, and nearly 10 tons confiscated from a ship in January.
