Spanish police seize nearly 10 tons of cocaine in 'largest' high-seas bust

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - Spain’s National Police said Monday that they have carried out the "largest seizure" of cocaine on the high seas in the force’s history, intercepting a merchant ship that was transporting nearly 10 tons of cocaine concealed in a shipment of salt.

According to a police statement, the Special Operations Group (GEO) boarded the vessel in Atlantic waters last week as it was traveling from Brazil to Europe. During the operation, officers seized 9,994 kilograms (22,033 pounds) of cocaine packed in 294 bales, arrested 13 crew members and recovered a firearm used to guard the shipment.

The operation was conducted as part of an international effort against maritime drug trafficking, with the participation of the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre-Narcotics (MAOC), the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), the Federal Police of Brazil, CITCO, and authorities from France and Portugal, according to the statement.

The investigation focused on a multinational criminal organization allegedly involved in exporting large quantities of cocaine from South America to Europe.

After the vessel was intercepted, the operation faced complications when the ship ran out of fuel and remained adrift for nearly 12 hours, requiring assistance from Spain’s maritime rescue service and towing to the Canary Islands, the police said.

Dubbed “Marea Blanca,” the operation represents the "largest cocaine seizure ever" carried out by Spain’s National Police on the high seas and marks a "historic blow" to international maritime drug trafficking networks.