Spain busts cocaine trafficking operation that used ‘floating bases’ at sea

Spanish police dismantled a large cocaine trafficking operation that utilized "floating bases" in the Atlantic Ocean. A year-long investigation, involving international cooperation, revealed the group transported an estimated 57 tonnes of cocaine to Europe. Speedboats operating from Spain, Portugal, and Morocco retrieved drugs from transport ships at sea. The operation involved sophisticated surveillance equipment and aquatic platforms where pilots remained at sea for extended periods. Authorities seized approximately 10 tonnes of cocaine, 30 boats, 70 vehicles, and arrested 105 suspects. The investigation also uncovered a payment of €12 million to the family of a deceased crew member to ensure their silence.

Portuguese police, in a joint operation with international agencies, seized a record nine tonnes of cocaine from a "narco-sub" near the Azores. The vessel, originating from Latin America, was carrying 300 bales of cocaine and crewed by three Colombians and one Venezuelan, all of whom were arrested. The interception occurred approximately 230 nautical miles from the Azores in challenging weather conditions. While the vessel sank, taking 35 bales of cocaine with it, the seizure represents the largest cocaine bust in Portugal and the biggest shipment ever found on a Europe-bound narco-sub. The impounded drugs are estimated to be worth up to €600m. This incident highlights the increasing use of semi-submersible vessels by drug gangs to transport cocaine to Europe.