Spanish police recently seized 6.5 tons of cocaine from a ship near the Canary Islands, thanks to a tip from U.S. authorities. They arrested nine individuals during the operation. The drugs were hidden in a Tanzanian-flagged cargo ship that had come from Panama and was heading to Vigo, Spain.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in the U.S. played a crucial role in the operation. Their information helped police intercept the vessel. A video shared on social media shows officers using a speedboat to approach the suspected drug traffickers.
Spain is a major entry point for cocaine into Europe, mainly due to its connections with Latin America, where cocaine is produced. According to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Spain accounted for over 60% of all cocaine seized in Europe in recent years.
In recent months, police across several countries dismantled a drug trafficking ring that used high-speed boats for smuggling cocaine from Brazil and Colombia to the Canary Islands. They even used an abandoned shipwreck as a refueling station for their “narco boats.”
Last October, Spanish authorities made their largest cocaine seizure ever—13 tons hidden in bananas—thanks to intelligence from Ecuador. This incident highlights the growing trend of using everyday items to conceal illegal drugs.
Other regional and international seizures also reflect the ongoing battle against drug smuggling. For example, in April, the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted nearly 10,000 pounds of cocaine in the Atlantic, while the French navy seized almost 10 tons off the coast of West Africa. Recent reports show that global drug trafficking remains a significant issue, with billions of dollars at stake.
Experts agree that international cooperation is essential in combating drug trafficking. Enhanced intelligence sharing and joint operations among countries can lead to more significant successes. As authorities react to these trends, the fight continues with increasing challenges and evolving methods.
For more insights on global drug trends, check this report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
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Spain, Cocaine, Drug Enforcement Administration
