British law enforcement has assisted in a groundbreaking seizure of nearly nine tonnes of cocaine from a semi-submersible vessel in the Atlantic Ocean. This operation marked the largest confiscation of cocaine ever recorded in Portugal, occurring just 230 nautical miles from its intended destination in the Azores.
This unprecedented haul underscores the persistent challenge posed by international drug trafficking networks, particularly as they adapt their strategies to evade detection. With the use of ‘narco subs’ becoming more common in smuggling operations across vast oceans, the implications of this seizure extend beyond numbers, highlighting the global dimensions of the drug trade.
Key Developments
- The cocaine seizure weighed close to nine tonnes, roughly equivalent to the weight of a school bus.
- The operation was led by Portuguese authorities with assistance from British and U.S. law enforcement agencies.
- Of the 300 packages on board, 35 sank when the submersible ultimately went down.
- Three Colombian nationals and one Venezuelan were on the vessel at the time of the interception.
Full Report
Operation Overview
The massive cocaine shipment was intercepted by authorities approximately 230 nautical miles from its target destination in the Azores archipelago. Although law enforcement managed to recover most of the cargo, the semi-submersible sank before they could retrieve all of it, leading to the loss of 35 packages at sea.
Significance of the Seizure
A spokesperson for Portuguese police confirmed to Agence France-Presse that the seizure represented a historic milestone as the largest cocaine confiscation ever recorded in Portugal. This operation reflects concerted international efforts to dismantle drug trafficking routes linking Latin America to Europe.
Profile of the Vessel
The intercepted semi-submersible reportedly originated from Latin America and was manned by four individuals—three Colombians and one Venezuelan. These ‘narco subs’ have recently gained notoriety for their role in transporting drugs across vast stretches of ocean, as traffickers seek to expand their operations beyond traditional routes.
Prior Seizures
This incident follows a notable seizure last March, where authorities confiscated nearly 6.5 tonnes of cocaine from a semi-submersible off the Azores. The British National Crime Agency had played a crucial role in that operation, collaborating with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Spanish Guardia Civil. A separate incident in 2023 also involved a sub found off Colombia, which contained nearly three tonnes of cocaine.
Context & Previous Events
In recent years, drug trafficking organizations have increasingly relied on sophisticated submersible vessels to transport narcotics undetected across international waters. Previous seizures, including the nearly 6.5 tonnes confiscated off the Azores in March and the three tonnes discovered off Colombia, illustrate the ongoing battle between law enforcement and drug traffickers.
