Spanish police seize 10 tonnes of cocaine hidden in ship off Canary Islands

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Sam Jones in MadridJanuary 12, 2026 at 04:03 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Spanish police seized nearly 10 tonnes of cocaine from a merchant ship off the Canary Islands, marking their largest maritime cocaine seizure to date. The drugs were concealed within a cargo of salt on a ship originating from Brazil. Thirteen people were arrested in connection with the operation, dubbed "White Tide," which involved collaboration with Brazilian, US, UK, French, and Portuguese authorities. The seizure, totaling 9,994 kg of cocaine, represents a significant blow to international drug trafficking networks. The ship was towed to Santa Cruz de Tenerife after running out of fuel. This operation follows a previous record of 7.5 tonnes seized in 1999 and a 13-tonne seizure in a banana shipment earlier in 2024.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Portugal 40% Santa Cruz de Tenerife 40% France 40% South America 50% Europe 50% Brazilian Federal Police 50% US Drug Enforcement Administration 50% National Crime Agency 50% Brazil 60% Policía Nacional ×370% Canary Islands ×280% Spanish Police ×490%

Keywords

cocaine seizure 100% drug trafficking 90% spanish police 80% maritime cocaine trafficking 70% canary islands 60% international cooperation 50% south america 40% criminal networks 40%