13.01.2026 11:23
The Spanish National Police announced that they seized 9,994 kilograms of drugs hidden in a shipment of salt on a cargo ship traveling from Brazil to Europe in the Atlantic. In an operation called "Marea Blanca," 13 crew members were detained, and it was reported that the seizure is the largest drug operation in the organization's history in open waters.
The Spanish National Police announced that approximately 10 tons of drugs hidden in a salt shipment on a cargo ship were seized during an operation conducted in the Atlantic Ocean. It was stated that the operation, named "Marea Blanca," is the largest drug seizure the organization has made at sea to date.
THE OPERATION WAS CONDUCTED IN THE ATLANTIC
According to the police statement, the Special Operations Group (GEO) carried out an operation last week in the Atlantic waters, boarding the ship that was sailing from Brazil to Europe. During the search, 9,994 kilograms of drugs packaged in 294 bales were seized.
13 CREW MEMBERS DETAINED
In the operation, 13 crew members on the ship were detained. Additionally, a firearm that was reportedly used to protect the shipment was also seized.
INTERNATIONAL JOINT OPERATION
In the statement from the Spanish National Police, it was noted that the operation is part of an international effort against drug trafficking by sea. It was reported that the operation involved MAOC (Narcotics), the U.S. DEA, the UK NCA, the Brazilian Federal Police, CITCO, as well as authorities from France and Portugal. The investigation is focused on a multinational criminal organization alleged to export large quantities of drugs from South America to Europe.
THE SHIP WAS DRAGGED FOR 12 HOURS
According to the police, after the ship was stopped, the operation became difficult due to the ship running out of fuel. Spanish maritime rescue teams intervened with the ship, which was dragged for approximately 12 hours, and the ship was towed to the Canary Islands.
HISTORICAL BLOW EMPHASIS
The statement emphasized that "Marea Blanca" is the largest drug seizure conducted by the Spanish National Police at sea and represents a "historical blow" to international maritime drug trafficking networks.