Spanish authorities have seized what is believed to be a national record amount of cocaine from a freighter intercepted in the Atlantic Ocean. The haul, estimated between 30,000kg and 45,000kg (33-50 tonnes), was discovered when the Civil Guard stopped the vessel off Spain's Canary Islands on Friday.
Key Takeaways
Spanish authorities seized a record-breaking amount of cocaine from a freighter in the Atlantic Ocean. The haul ranges between 30,000 to 45,000kg (33-50 tonnes).
- Spanish Civil Guard intercepted vessel off Canary Islands
- Between 20 and 23 people arrested, primarily Filipino, Angolan, and Dutch nationals
- Ship traveled from Sierra Leone en route to Libya
- Cocaine likely intended for distribution in Europe via smaller vessels
- Largest cocaine seizure in Spain's history
According to multiple reports, around 20 people, primarily Filipino, Angolan, and Dutch nationals were arrested. The ship had traveled from Sierra Leone and was en route to Libya. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska described the seizure as "one of the biggest, not only nationally but internationally."
The Civil Guard's main union, AUGC, called the operation a historic blow to drug trafficking. While the boat was headed to Libya, authorities suggest it was likely intended to offload the drugs onto smaller vessels for distribution in Europe.
This seizure surpasses Spain's previous largest cocaine haul at sea, which occurred in January when almost 10 tonnes were seized from another ship. The investigation remains under legal secrecy, with the Civil Guard declining to provide further details due to ongoing legal proceedings.
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