Spanish authorities intercept massive cocaine shipment at sea
Authorities said the Special Operations Group (GEO) boarded the vessel in Atlantic waters last week while it traveled from Brazil to Europe. Officers confiscated 9,994 kilograms (22,033 pounds) of cocaine packed in 294 bales, arrested 13 crew members, and recovered a firearm used to guard the shipment.
The operation, called “Marea Blanca,” was part of an international crackdown on maritime drug trafficking, involving the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre-Narcotics (MAOC), the US DEA, the UK’s National Crime Agency, Brazil’s Federal Police, CITCO, and authorities from France and Portugal.
Investigators targeted a multinational criminal network suspected of exporting large quantities of cocaine from South America to Europe.
The operation faced challenges after the vessel ran out of fuel and drifted for nearly 12 hours, requiring assistance from Spain’s maritime rescue service and towing to the Canary Islands.
Police described the seizure as a “historic blow” to global maritime drug trafficking networks.
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