In the last few days, a joint operation conducted by the Portuguese authorities involving the Judicial Police, Navy and Air Force has resulted in the seizure of over one ton of cocaine in the Atlantic.
The sailing vessel TAEPING UURAS was intercepted south of Madeira island (Portugal), at a time when weather and sea conditions were extremely adverse. Despite this, the Portuguese Navy was able to board the vessel and find 50 bales of cocaine scattered inside.
As a result of the extremely adverse conditions, the TAEPING UURAS started to take on water and eventually sank, but the Portuguese authorities managed to rescue the crew and the illicit cargo on board.
The 3 crew members were arrested and will be present to the competent judicial authority.
