Spanish police announced the seizure of 6.5 tons of cocaine from a ship off the Canary Islands, following a tip-off from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The operation, which took place a few days ago, resulted in the arrest of nine individuals connected to the trafficking attempt.
The cocaine was concealed in the hold of a cargo ship that was flying a Tanzanian flag. Authorities confirmed that the vessel had departed from Panama and was en route to Vigo, Spain. The ship, approximately 177 feet long, featured unusual structural modifications designed to hide the illicit cargo.
According to the police statement, the successful operation was made possible by critical information provided by the DEA. The details shared with Spanish authorities played a significant role in the interception of the vessel. Police released footage showing their officers on a speedboat as they intercepted the suspected drug-trafficking ship.
Spain serves as a primary entry point for cocaine into Europe due to its historical ties with Latin America, where cocaine is predominantly produced. Recent operations have highlighted the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the region. In June, law enforcement agencies from multiple countries dismantled a sophisticated drug trafficking network that employed high-speed “narco boats” for smuggling cocaine from Brazil and Colombia to the Canary Islands. This operation reportedly involved using an abandoned shipwreck as a refueling station for the speedboats.
Last October, Spanish authorities achieved their largest cocaine seizure to date, uncovering approximately 13 tons of cocaine hidden in a shipment of bananas in the port of Algeciras. Intelligence from Ecuadoran police was instrumental in that operation as well.
The global crackdown on drug trafficking continues to yield significant results. Earlier this month, the U.S. Central Command confirmed that a Pakistani navy ship seized narcotics valued at over $972 million from sailboats in the Arabian Sea. In a similar effort, the French navy confiscated nearly 10 tons of cocaine worth more than $600 million from a fishing vessel off the coast of West Africa last month. In April, the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted approximately 10,000 pounds of cocaine from a fishing boat in the Atlantic Ocean.
As the international community intensifies its efforts against drug trafficking, these recent operations underscore the importance of cooperation among law enforcement agencies worldwide in combating this persistent issue.
