In a major international operation, police have dismantled the world’s largest organisation of drug smuggling yachts operating between South America and Europe. The National Police of Spain, in coordination with Norwegian, American, and British authorities, carried out this extensive operation across Spain and seven other countries, resulting in the arrest of 50 people.
The investigation, started in the Canary Islands, led to raids in various locations within Spain, including thirteen in Málaga, six in Valencia, five in Almería, two in Alicante, one in Girona, and one in Murcia. Simultaneously, coordinated raids took place in Norway, Bulgaria, the UK, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Portugal, and Colombia.
During the operation, 1,500 kilograms of cocaine were seized, along with eight boats, 36 vehicles, and over 85 mobile phones and devices, according to the official report from the Directorate General of Police who emphasise the vast scale and complexity of this criminal network.
The investigation, driven by the Arrecife Court of Instruction No. 4 in Lanzarote, discovered that the organisation sought blessings from a spiritual healer to ensure success in their cocaine transportation operations.
This international effort highlights the collaborative strength of law enforcement agencies from eleven countries in combating global drug trafficking networks, and is a significant victory in the fight against drug smuggling showcasing the effectiveness of cross-border cooperation in tackling organised crime.
