Spain’s National Police have dismantled a major maritime smuggling operation, arresting over 100 individuals and seizing more than 10 tonnes of cocaine. The Central Drug and Organized Crime Unit warns that this disruption may destabilize the criminal organization, although its leader remains at large. The operation unveiled a complex transatlantic network.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Border Force commended French Polynesian authorities for seizing about 4.87 tonnes of cocaine, believed destined for Australia. AFP Commander Stephen Jay emphasized collaboration, while Acting Commander Linda Cappello warned that increased regional vigilance heightens risks for drug traffickers exploiting maritime routes.
Spanish police have made their largest-ever cocaine seizure at sea, intercepting a vessel with nearly 10 metric tons hidden in a salt shipment from Brazil to Europe. Thirteen individuals were arrested, and authorities recovered 294 bales of cocaine. This operation involved international collaboration to combat drug trafficking.
Australian authorities have seized nearly A$9 million worth of cocaine hidden in a refrigerated shipping container at Port Botany, New South Wales. The Australian Border Force identified the suspicious consignment through an x-ray examination, leading to the discovery of 22 blocks totaling approximately 27kg, confirming the presence of cocaine.
Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has detained 20 Filipino seafarers following the discovery of 20 kilograms of cocaine concealed in their vessel’s cargo. The crew, aboard the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Nord Bosporus, is reportedly being treated well as investigations continue. Communication with the Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers is ongoing.
The Australian Border Force and Federal Police intercepted nearly 65 kg of cocaine worth over A$21 million in Brisbane. The shipment, falsely declared as wooden slats from Panama, revealed 108 bricks of cocaine after x-ray anomalies were detected. This significant haul could lead to 324,000 street-level deals, threatening community safety.
Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is collaborating with U.S. and British authorities to investigate a $235 million cocaine shipment seized at Lagos’ Tincan Port. The 1,000 kg of cocaine was discovered in an empty container, prompting an international effort to identify and apprehend the operation’s masterminds.
Greek authorities have arrested six dock workers at the port of Piraeus for alleged involvement in drug smuggling, marking a troubling trend linking port employees to cocaine trafficking. The workers, employed by a private company, deny the charges, which include connections to an international organized crime network orchestrated by an Albanian syndicate.
In a major operation off the Canary Islands, Spanish authorities intercepted the yacht Lona, loaded with cocaine. The crew set the vessel ablaze, injuring one member who needed airlifting. Despite the fire, officers recovered 25 kilos of drugs, highlighting international cooperation against drug trafficking in the region.
Argentine authorities have made a significant breakthrough in organized crime with the largest drug seizure in Port San Lorenzo’s history. Investigations are ongoing after the ship’s cook confessed to involvement in smuggling. Authorities uncovered 469,500 kilos of cocaine, valued at nearly $6 million in Argentina, indicating professional gang involvement.
Gibraltar is making strides in combating drug smuggling with newly acquired underwater drones. A recent bust involved the bulker Great Zhou, where divers recovered 120 kg of cocaine hidden in its sea chest. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo commended HM Customs for their effective operation and commitment to fighting drug-related crime.
Nearly four tons of cocaine were seized and 16 individuals were arrested from two vessels off the coast of the Canary Islands in a major drug bust. The operation was a joint effort between French and Spanish customs, conducted under the authority of the Atlantic maritime prefect.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkey has pledged cooperation with Spanish and French authorities in investigating a Turkish-owned cargo ship involved in drug smuggling. The vessel, named Ras, was seized 130 miles from Lanzarote with 4,000 kilos of cocaine hidden on board. The interception revealed a sophisticated smuggling operation spanning multiple countries.[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp9H6k6jHao[/embed]
Brazil’s Federal Police seized a large amount of cocaine on a bulker anchored offshore in Maranhao state. The crew discovered suspicious packages and alerted authorities, leading to an investigation. The vessel, named Jawor, was scheduled to dock for a soybean cargo destined for Spain. The police suspect crew involvement in the smuggling operation.
The Panama-registered, Vietnamese-owned bulker seized in India for suspected cocaine smuggling has left its crew stranded for months. The owners have not paid fees or posted a bond, leading to a court-ordered sale of the vessel to cover expenses. The crew’s fate remains uncertain as the owners fail to comply with court orders.
