In a significant operation 50 nautical miles off the Canary Islands, Spanish authorities intercepted a yacht named Lona that was carrying a substantial amount of cocaine. Upon being discovered, the crew set the vessel ablaze in an attempt to destroy the evidence, resulting in serious injuries to one crew member who required airlifting for medical treatment.
The operation involved agents from the Guardia Civil, National Police, and Spain’s Customs Surveillance Service, supported by patrol vessels Sacre and Petrel I. Although much of the cocaine was lost in the fire, officers managed to recover 25 kilos from the sea. This interception was part of a broader maritime surveillance initiative aimed at curbing drug trafficking in the region.
Intelligence from the UK’s National Crime Agency and the US Drug Enforcement Administration played a crucial role in prompting the operation, which targeted a vessel suspected of transferring narcotics to smaller boats for smuggling ashore. The coordinated efforts of multiple agencies highlight the ongoing commitment to combat drug trafficking routes around the Canary Islands.
Two crew members, one French and one Dutch, were arrested, while the injured suspect was airlifted for urgent care. The operation underscores the collaborative efforts of Spanish and international agencies to tackle drug trafficking in the area.
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