Major Cocaine Smuggling Network Dismantled in Canary Islands Operation

A coordinated international effort has led to the arrest of 48 suspects and the seizure of nearly four tonnes of cocaine in the Canary Islands, highlighting the complex operations of drug trafficking networks targeting Europe.

A significant cocaine smuggling operation has been dismantled in the Canary Islands, as police announced the arrest of 48 suspects and the seizure of almost four tonnes of cocaine trafficked from Brazil and Colombia. The directive termed "Operation Black Shadow" involved collaboration between law enforcement authorities from Europe, South America, and the United States.

Spain's Policia Nacional confirmed that the gang employed a fleet of 11 speedboats, known as narco boats, to transport cocaine across the Atlantic Ocean to the islands, which serve as a strategic entry point for narcotics into Europe. The authorities noted the gang's sophisticated methods, including the use of an abandoned shipwreck for refueling and a complex encrypted communication system to avoid detection.

In a meticulous operation that spanned several months, law enforcement executed 29 search warrants across Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote, resulting in the confiscation of 69 vehicles, including boats and jet skis, as well as cash and firearms. Authorities revealed that a local distribution network in the Canary Islands had been identified and was responsible for distributing the drugs once they arrived.

This operation illustrates the ongoing battle against international drug smuggling, particularly as Europe remains a significant market for South American cartels. Previously, in December, police intercepted a Venezuelan fishing vessel carrying 3.3 tonnes of cocaine off the coast of Africa.

An official from the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) affirmed the dedication of international efforts to combat drug trafficking, ensuring that such substances are intercepted before they infiltrate the UK.