A Spanish joint operation undertaken by the National Police and Customs (DAVA), in close cooperation with the US DEA and the Togolese authorities, and with coordinated support from MAOC-N, led to the seizure of 4500 kg of cocaine on board a livestock carrier vessel off the Canary Islands, heading from Colombia to Lebanon.
The Spanish authorities were monitoring the vessel ORION V (ex SPIRIDON) since 2020 on suspicions of transporting large consignments of cocaine from South America to Europe and the Middle East. On the evening of the 24th of January, the vessel was intercepted at approximately 62nm Southwest of the Canary Islands, by the Spanish patrol vessel ‘Fulmar’. Following a thorough search on the vessel, the drugs were found hidden in a food silo.
As a result of this operation, 28 crew members of various different nationalities, were arrested and brought before the competent judicial authority.
Press Release: https://www.policia.es/_es/comunicacion_prensa_detalle.php?ID=15246
