In a significant operation, Portuguese law enforcement has intercepted a semi-submersible vessel off the Azores, leading to the seizure of nearly nine tonnes of cocaine—the largest single haul recorded in Portugal’s history. This high-profile bust involved collaboration between the Portuguese police, navy, air force, and international partners including the US Drug Enforcement Administration and the UK National Crime Agency.
Record Seizure Amidst Challenging Conditions
The operation unfolded approximately 230 nautical miles from the Azores, where authorities faced treacherous weather while engaging with the semi-submersible, which was en route to Europe from Latin America. The Portuguese Judicial Police reported that 300 bales of cocaine were aboard the vessel when it was intercepted. Unfortunately, the confrontation culminated in the sinking of the narco-sub, resulting in 35 bales of cocaine lost to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean.
Four crew members—three Colombians and one Venezuelan—were apprehended during the operation. A police spokesperson emphasised the significance of this seizure, stating, “This operation has led to the biggest seizure of cocaine ever in Portugal.” The estimated street value of the confiscated drugs could reach as much as €600 million (£520 million).
Increasing Threat of Narco-Subs
Semi-submersible vessels, often referred to as narco-subs, have been a prevalent mode of drug transport in Colombia and other regions of South and Central America since the 1980s. However, their presence in European waters has only been recorded since 2006, with the first fully laden narco-sub discovered in Galicia, Spain, in 2019. The increasing frequency of these vessels highlights a troubling trend in drug trafficking routes, with last year’s interception of a narco-sub carrying 6.5 tonnes of cocaine also off the Azores.
Alberto Morales, head of Spain’s National Police narcotics brigade, recently noted that falling cocaine prices have prompted drug trafficking organisations to adapt their strategies. Instead of abandoning narco-subs after a single journey, gangs are now reportedly reusing these vessels, implementing refuelling operations at sea to maximise their illicit journeys.
Dismantling Sophisticated Smuggling Operations
In a separate but equally impactful investigation, Spanish authorities announced the dismantling of a large-scale cocaine smuggling operation that has allegedly brought over 57 tonnes of the drug into Europe over the past year. This year-long inquiry, conducted by the National Police, has led to 105 arrests and the confiscation of 10.4 tonnes of cocaine, alongside the seizure of 30 boats used in the smuggling efforts.
The criminal network operated with remarkable sophistication, utilising powerful speedboats and offshore bases in the Atlantic. Gang members would launch speedboats under the cover of darkness, rendezvousing with larger supply vessels to transfer cocaine back to Spain and the Canary Islands. Investigators uncovered extensive logistics, including fuel storage facilities capable of holding over 100,000 litres, used to support prolonged operations at sea. The lengths to which these traffickers would go to maintain their operations included financial incentives to silence family members of deceased gang members, underscoring the deep ties and risks involved in the drug trade.
Why it Matters
The recent seizure of cocaine in Portugal and the dismantling of sophisticated smuggling networks reveal the evolving landscape of drug trafficking in Europe. As authorities adapt to increasingly sophisticated methods employed by traffickers, the need for international cooperation becomes paramount. The scale of these operations not only poses a significant threat to public health and safety but also highlights the ongoing challenges that law enforcement agencies face in combating a global drug trade that continues to evolve in response to market pressures.
