In recent days, a joint operation conducted by the Portuguese Judicial Police, Navy, and Air Force has resulted in the seizure of 1,660 kg of cocaine.
The 11-metre sailing vessel was intercepted by the Portuguese Navy while sailing south-west from the Azores with three crew members on board. The vessel was escorted to Ponta Delgada (Azores), where the crew were brought before the judicial authorities, who ordered their pre-trial detention.
Operation “Vikings” is the outcome of a complex investigation carried out over the past two years, aimed at dismantling an international criminal organisation operating across continents and dedicated to smuggling large quantities of cocaine into Europe. In addition to the aforementioned Portuguese authorities, the investigation was supported by the Spanish National Police, the US Drug Enforcement Administration, the Danish Police (NSK), and the French and Irish authorities.
So far this year, the MAOC-N countries have seized over 34.5 tonnes of cocaine in operations supported by the Centre.
