Joint operation against drug trafficking
In an important joint operation, the Customs Surveillance Service of the Tax Agency, in collaboration with the Civil Guard and the National Police, has managed to intercept a drug boat in waters south of the Canary Islands. This semi-rigid vessel was transporting a load of approximately 4,350 kilos of cocaine, which represents a severe blow to international drug trafficking.
International collaboration and vessel monitoring
The operation was carried out thanks to international collaboration between the MAOC-N (Atlantic Analysis and Operations Center) and the CITCO (Intelligence Center Against Terrorism and Organized Crime). From the information exchanged, it was possible to determine the possible involvement of a vessel suspected of drug trafficking from South America, which had the objective of reaching the Spanish coasts through the Atlantic.
Interception and detention of those involved
Once the drug boat was located, it was intercepted and boarded by the authorities. During the inspection, it was discovered that the vessel was transporting a total of 4,350 kilos of cocaine. In addition, the arrest of the four crew members of the drug boat was achieved, among whom is a well-known Galician drug trafficker, identified by the security forces and bodies. The detainees are of Spanish, Romanian, Moroccan and Moldovan nationalities.
Ongoing research and international collaboration
The operation has not concluded and the possible presence of other vessels involved in the area continues to be investigated. In this sense, collaboration is maintained with the National Crime Agency (NCA) of the United Kingdom and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) of the United States. New actions are not ruled out within the framework of this operation against international drug trafficking.
Legal actions and fight against drug trafficking
The Anti-Drug Prosecutor’s Office of the National Court has directed and coordinated this operation, which aims to combat drug trafficking on the so-called Atlantic cocaine route. Both the detainees and the boat and the narcotic substance will be placed at the disposal of the corresponding Central Investigative Court. This operation demonstrates the commitment of the authorities in the fight against drug trafficking and their determination to dismantle international networks dedicated to this illegal activity.
Drug trafficking route and its impact in Europe
The Atlantic cocaine route is known for being used by various vessels that transport narcotic substances from South America to Europe. This important blow to drug trafficking demonstrates the effectiveness of joint operations and international collaboration in the fight against this illegal activity. Authorities continue to work to dismantle drug trafficking networks and guarantee security on the Spanish and European coasts.