Spain seizes record amount of cocaine in Atlantic Ocean, authorities say
Spanish authorities have seized between 30,000 and 45,000 kilograms of cocaine from a freighter in the Atlantic Ocean, marking what is believed to be a national record. The vessel was intercepted in international waters near the Canary Islands after traveling from Sierra Leone and was bound for Libya. Around 20 people were arrested, and officials described the operation as a major blow to international drug trafficking.
- ▪Spanish Civil Guard intercepted a freighter carrying between 30,000 and 45,000 kg of cocaine in international waters.
- ▪The ship originated in Sierra Leone and was headed to Libya, though the drugs were likely intended for distribution in Europe.
- ▪Approximately 20 people were arrested during the operation.
- ▪Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska called the seizure one of the largest both nationally and internationally.
- ▪The Civil Guard described the bust as a 'historic blow to drug trafficking' and shared images of the drugs in the ship's hold.
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Spain seizes record amount of cocaine in Atlantic Ocean, authorities say30 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleElla KiplingGetty ImagesThe cocaine was found by Spain's Civil Guard (file image)Spanish police have seized what is thought to be a national record haul of cocaine from a ship in the Atlantic Ocean.Between 30,000 to 45,000kg (33 to 50 tonnes) were found when the Civil Guard intercepted a freighter in international waters, the body's main union, the AUGC, announced. It called the move a "historic blow to drug trafficking". The vessel was intercepted off Spain's Canary Islands on Friday and around 20 people were arrested, the AUGC told the AFP news agency. It had travelled from Sierra Leona and was on its way to Libya.
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