In an extraordinary operation, Portuguese authorities have successfully intercepted a semi-submersible vessel carrying approximately 6.5 tonnes of cocaine, marking a significant victory in the fight against transnational drug trafficking.
The operation, codenamed NAUTILUS, was supported by MAOC-N and involved a swift and coordinated effort between the Portuguese authorities – Judicial Police (PJ), Navy, and Air Force – and the Spanish Guardia Civil, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the UK National Crime Agency (NCA).
The vessel, located approximately 500 nautical miles South of the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean, had departed from Brazil and was carrying not only a massive haul of illicit drugs but also five crew members from Brazil, Colombia and Spain. The drugs were destined for Europe.
This operation underscores the critical importance of international cooperation in tackling drug trafficking. The investigation, led by the PJ’s National Unit for Combating Drug Trafficking, remains ongoing, with authorities from several nations working together to dismantle the criminal network behind this shipment.
Press release: https://www.policiajudiciaria.pt/op-nautilus-intercetado-semi-submersivel-com-cerca-de-65-toneladas-de-droga/
