Recently, Spanish authorities conducted a joint operation involving the Spanish National Police, the Spanish Navy, and the U.S Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). During the operation, they intercepted a merchant ship carrying approximately 6,500 kilograms of cocaine about 600 miles the coast of the Canary Islands.

According to the Spanish National Police, the operation was carried out under the command of the Office of the Special Prosecutor for the Fight Drug Trafficking of the Spanish National Court. The operation was launched after intelligence provided by the DEA on October 8th indicated that an international criminal network was transporting a large of cocaine across the Atlantic Ocean.

The vessel involved was a supply ship flying the flag of Tanzania, reportedly sailing from the port of Manzanillo in Panama to port of Vigo in the Spanish region of Galicia. The ship was over 54 meters long, 12 meters wide, and 4.5 meters deep.

Upon receiving the alert and determining the vessel's course, the Spanish authorities initiated a well-coordinated maritime operation to prevent the drugs from reaching the European coast.

At approximately 21:30 on October 22nd, members of the Special Operations Group (GEO) from a Spanish Navy ship carried out a maritime interception anded the merchant ship in international waters.

Once on board, the GEO agents arrested the nine crew members. During the initial inspection, law enforcement officers discovered hidden compartments modified structures that were inconsistent with standard cargo ships. These hidden areas are believed to have been used to conceal the cocaine. A total of 6,500 kilograms of cocaine were seized, with an estimated street value of 340 million euros ($396 million).

This anti-drug operation is one of the largest drug in Spanish waters this year and continues a recent series of high-profile drug seizures. In recent months, Spanish authorities seized 13 tons of cocaine in Algeciras,3.6 tons in Galicia, and 1.7 tons in Valencia.

Due to its extensive maritime trade network and its proximity to major shipping routes across Atlantic and to Africa, Spain continues to be a significant entry point for cocaine from South America into Europe.