Spain Authorities Intercept Narco-Sub Off The Coast Of Cadiz, 4 Arrested

Spain’s customs agency intercepted a transoceanic semisubmersible drug boat on June 24, 2024, approximately 250 nautical miles off the coast of Cadiz.

The operation led to the rescue and arrest of four individuals who attempted to sink their vessel as the authorities approached.

The Spanish Tax Agency’s Custom Surveillance Service and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration discovered the semisubmersible vessel.

The Customs Surveillance Service’s vessel, Fulmar, intercepted the drug boat with assistance from Spain’s Civil Guard and National Police.

As Fulmar approached, the crew of the semisubmersible intentionally sunk their vessel by opening the seacocks.

The boat flooded in minutes, and the crew climbed safely on the deck.

The semisubmersible sank as the Fulmar came closer, disappearing beneath the sea.

The four crew members, all Colombian nationals, were detained.

🚩Interceptado en aguas del #Atlántico un #semisumergible que se dirigía hacia la costa peninsular

🚔Detenidos los 4 tripulantes

🚔Según los investigadores, la nave presenta unas características similares a las de otras “narcoembarcaciones”

➡️Se han intervenido 900 kg de… pic.twitter.com/BbXraTLxlR

— Policía Nacional (@policia) June 26, 2024

Video Credits: Policía Nacional/X (Twitter)

The 20-meter semisubmersible had a similar design to earlier transatlantic narco-smuggling vessels seized in Spain in 2019 and 2023.

Authorities believe the vessel was smuggling cocaine from South America based on its structure.

The interception comes amid increased monitoring in the region, particularly around the Canary Islands, a renowned hotspot for ship-to-ship transfers between cocaine smuggling boats.

On June 22, 2024, the Fulmar seized a RHIB carrying cocaine near the island of La Palma. During a six-hour chase, the crew of the narco-boat threw their stuff overboard.

Fulmar seized around 900 kgs of cocaine, and the RHIB was later found abandoned on the beach near Tazacorte.

The recent interception highlights the Spanish authorities’ continuous efforts to combat maritime drug trafficking.

The involvement of the Spanish Tax Agency, the Civil Guard, the National Police, and foreign partners such as the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) emphasises the issue’s worldwide extent and dedication to disrupting drug smuggling operations across the Atlantic.

The operation resulted in the recovery of 900 kg of cocaine, which officials suspect was intended for trafficking throughout Europe.

The arrested crew members face charges of narcotics trafficking and jeopardising maritime security.

Reference: Elperiodico

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