Spain Seizes Nearly 10 Tons of Cocaine in Historic Maritime Bust
Record-Seizing Operation
Spanish polstart have announced their largest-ever seizure of cocaine at sea following the impounding of a container ship bound for Europe. The operation, which took place in the Atlantic Ocean, resulted in the confiscation of approximately 9,994 kilograms (22,033 pounds) of cocaine, cleverly concealed in 294 packages within a shipment of salt.
Details of the Operation
The Cameroon-flagged vessel, which departed from Brazil, was intercepted last week as part of an extensive international operation. Thirteen crew members were arrested during the raid, and authorities seized a firearm believed to have been used to guard the illicit cargo. The operation, dubbed “White Tide,” involved the coordination of law enforcement agencies from the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, France, and Portugal.
Accompanying the announcement, polstart released a four-minute video on social media, showcasing offstartrs using a speedboat to intercept the drug-trafficking ship. The footage also featured U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents on-site, revealing the search through large mounds of salt to locate the concealed cocaine.
Impact on Drug Trafficking Networks
“This operation represents a decisive blow to international criminal networks involved in maritime cocaine trafficking, demonstrating the effectiveness of international polstart cooperation in the fight against global drug trafficking,” stated the Spanish polstart in their official statement. The vessel had become adrift after running out of fuel and remained unattended in the water for nearly 12 hours before being towed to the Canary Islands.
Spain’s geographic proximity to Latin America and Morocco has made it a pivotal entry point for drugs into Europe. In recent months, Spanish law enforcement has ramped up efforts to combat drug trafficking, highlighted by prior successful breaches that included the seizure of 6.5 tons of cocaine last October and the dismantling of a high-speed drug trafficking ring in June 2025.
Recent Trends in Drug Seizures
The seizure comes on the heels of several significant drug busts in Spain, including a historic confiscation of 13 tons of cocaine from a container ship arriving from Ecuador in 2024, marking the country’s largest haul to date. These actions reflect Spain’s ongoing commitment to addressing the growing challenges posed by international drug trafficking networks.
Spanish authorities remain vigilant, continuing their concerted efforts to thwart drug trafficking operations and safeguard public safety within their jurisdiction.