Spanish Authorities Seize 3.36 Tonnes of Cocaine in Gran Canaria
Spanish authorities have seized 3.36 tonnes of cocaine after intercepting a high-speed boat south of Gran Canaria, Maritime Executive reports. The Guardia Civil found the drugs in 139 packages after officers chased the RIB and detained its five crew members.
The boat was spotted about 70 miles south of the Canary Islands and tried to escape when officers moved to stop it. The suspects were reportedly carrying an assault rifle and a light machine gun. They now face charges including drug trafficking, illegal weapons possession and membership of a criminal organization.
The seizure is the latest major cocaine bust in the Canary Islands, which have become an important route for criminal networks moving drugs from South America to Europe. Spanish authorities say traffickers use high-speed boats to collect shipments from larger vessels at sea and avoid detection near major ports.
