In the early hours of Thursday, September 19th, 2024, a joint operation led by the Portuguese Judicial Police (PJ) resulted in the interception of a sailing vessel carrying 100kg of cocaine on the high seas. The operation, coordinated with the support of MAOC-N, involved the collaboration of multiple international authorities from France (DNRED), the US (DEA), the UK (NCA), Spain, and Portugal.
After the Portuguese Navy located and tracked the sailing vessel, which had departed from the Caribbean, a team from the Marines’ Special Actions Detachment (DAE) boarded it. The two Russian crew members on board were detained, and the presence of narcotics was detected during the initial approach. Ultimately, the PJ seized 100kg of cocaine, hidden inside modified fuel jerrycans.
Following the interception, the DAE team remained on board and escorted the sailing vessel to the port of Setúbal, Portugal.
This successful operation is a testament to the effectiveness of international cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking.
Press Release (Portuguese Navy): https://www.marinha.pt/pt/media-center/Noticias/Paginas/Marinha-em-operacao-conjunta-com-a-Policia-Judiciaria.aspx
