The Spanish National Police has detailed a major international counter-narcotics operation, resulting in the seizure of 6,500 kilograms of cocaine aboard a vessel intercepted in the Atlantic Ocean. Authorities say the action dealt a significant blow to maritime drug-trafficking networks.
The investigation began on October 8, when the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) informed Spain of plans by a drug cartel to transport a large cocaine shipment across the Atlantic. Spanish authorities identified a 54-meter Tanzanian-flagged supply vessel that had departed Cristóbal Port in Panama as a prime suspect.
Supported by Spanish Naval forces, law enforcement tracked the ship across the ocean. At around 21:30 on October 22, the Navy located and intercepted the vessel 600 nautical miles off the Canary Islands in international waters. Boarding teams secured control of the ship and detained all nine crew members on board.
During the search, police discovered concealed compartments that were not part of the ship’s original structure. Further inspection revealed hidden cocaine packages, with an estimated black-market value of €340 million (US $396 million).
Authorities report the vessel was bound for the Port of Vigo, a major commercial and fishing hub in northern Spain. The ship was escorted to Arinaga Port on Gran Canaria, arriving October 26, where the cargo and suspects were formally processed.
Spanish officials say the interception is one of several major operations targeting drug cartels using commandeered or covertly modified vessels to smuggle narcotics into Europe. Recent successes include the seizure of 13 tons of cocaine in Algeciras, 3.6 tons in Galicia, and 1.7 tons in Valencia.
Law enforcement emphasizes that international coordination remains essential as trafficking groups continue to exploit maritime routes for large-scale smuggling attempts.
