Spanish authorities have intercepted what is believed to be the country’s largest-ever cocaine seizure at sea after impounding a vessel in the Atlantic Ocean carrying an estimated 35 to 40 tonnes of cocaine.
According to Spanish police sources, the Civil Guard intercepted the ship in international waters off the Canary Islands on Friday, leading to the arrest of approximately 20 individuals.
Officials described the operation as a “historic seizure,” noting that the vessel’s hold was completely packed with bales of cocaine. Authorities estimate the quantity confiscated could reach as much as 40 tonnes, making it one of the largest drug seizures not only in Spain but internationally.
The vessel, currently under inspection in the Canary Islands, reportedly departed from Freetown, Sierra Leone, and was officially bound for Benghazi, Libya.
However, investigators suspect the ship’s declared destination may not have reflected its true purpose. Security analysts believe the vessel was likely intended to transfer the cocaine to smaller boats at sea for onward distribution across Europe.
Officials noted that unloading such a massive quantity of cocaine in Libya would be highly impractical and suspicious, suggesting the operation was coordinated through sophisticated international drug trafficking networks.
Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska described the seizure as one of the most significant in Spain’s history, though further operational details remain restricted due to an ongoing judicial investigation.
Spain remains a major gateway for narcotics entering Europe due to its close ties with Latin America and geographic proximity to North Africa.
The latest seizure surpasses several recent major drug busts in Spain, including the confiscation of 13 tonnes of cocaine at the Port of Algeciras in 2024 and nearly 10 tonnes seized at sea earlier this year.
Investigations into the trafficking network behind the shipment remain ongoing.
