In recent days, the Spanish authorities launched a maritime operation aimed at intercepting a sailing vessel suspected of carrying a significant quantity of cocaine bound for Europe.
Following the dissemination of intelligence via MAOC-N, the Customs Surveillance Service (SVA) patrol vessel Sacre successfully intercepted the target approximately 50 nautical miles off the coast of the Canary Islands. Upon detection, the crew of the sailing boat set fire to their vessel, causing serious injuries to one of them, who had to be evacuated by Maritime Rescue. Despite the sinking of the boat and the destruction of a large part of the drugs by fire, the Spanish operatives managed to recover 25 kilos of cocaine.
This operation posed a significant risk to the customs patrol officers, due to the rough sea conditions and the fire deliberately started by the crew to destroy the cocaine and the vessel. The swift action of the Spanish authorities initially allowed them to extinguish the fire, complete the boarding of the vessel, and recover part of the cargo before the fire reignited. Ultimately, the fire destroyed most of the cocaine shipment and the vessel transporting it, a sloop named Lona.
This large-scale operation involved the Customs Surveillance Service (SVA), National Police, and Guardia Civil, coordinated under CITCO (Intelligence Centre against Terrorism and Organised Crime). The exchange of information was carried out through MAOC-N and involved, in addition to the aforementioned Spanish agencies, contributions from the USA (DEA), the UK (NCA), Portuguese Judicial Police and Air Force.
Press Release: https://policia.es/_es/comunicacion_prensa_detalle.php?ID=16608
