Spanish authorities have intercepted nearly 10 tonnes of cocaine hidden aboard a merchant vessel off the Canary Islands in what police call the largest drug seizure at sea in the country’s history.
The Cameroon-flagged dry bulk carrier, en route from Brazil to Europe, was boarded around 332 miles west of the Canaries during a multinational operation dubbed “White Tide.” Officers discovered 9,994 kg of cocaine packed in 294 bales, concealed beneath a cargo of salt. A firearm used to protect the shipment was also found, and 13 crewmembers were arrested.
The operation was conducted with support from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Brazilian federal police, and authorities in the UK, France, and Portugal. After the raid, the vessel ran out of fuel and drifted for about 12 hours before being towed to Santa Cruz de Tenerife by Spain’s maritime rescue service.
Police said the seizure delivers a major blow to international trafficking networks and highlights the growing use of commercial shipping and bulk cargoes to conceal drugs on transatlantic routes.
The haul, valued at more than €100 million, surpasses Spain’s previous maritime record and underscores the Canary Islands’ role as a key entry point for cocaine into Europe.
