Three-Tonne Cocaine Bust: How a Narco-Boat Flee Turned Into Spain’s Latest
Spanish authorities intercept 3,360 kilograms of cocaine 70 miles south of the Canary Islands after a high-speed chase.
Spanish authorities have intercepted a high-speed drug trafficking vessel off the coast of Gran Canaria, seizing over three tonnes of cocaine in a dramatic operation. The Guardia Civil confirmed the capture of a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) carrying 3,360 kilograms of cocaine divided into 139 packages, following a pursuit approximately 70 miles south of the Canary Islands.
The so-called “narco-boat,” equipped with multiple powerful engines, attempted to evade authorities but was ultimately overtaken. Five crew members were arrested during the operation, which also uncovered an assault rifle and a light machine gun on board. The suspects now face multiple charges, including drug trafficking, weapons possession, and involvement in a criminal organization.
The Canary Islands as a Drug Trafficking Hub: Cocaine
The archipelago has emerged as a key transit point for cocaine shipments from South America to Europe. Traffickers exploit the region’s location to conduct at-sea transfers, avoiding major ports and reducing detection risks. This latest seizure follows a pattern of large-scale drug busts in the area.
In May 2026, Spanish police intercepted a cargo ship near the Canary Islands carrying 45 tonnes of cocaine, with an estimated street value exceeding $812 million. The shipment was intended to be distributed to smaller vessels for final delivery. Weeks later, authorities dismantled a major trafficking network, arresting 48 individuals and seizing 3.8 tonnes of cocaine, along with dozens of vehicles, boats, and other assets linked to maritime smuggling.
The use of high-speed RIBs has become a preferred method for traffickers, allowing them to retrieve drug shipments from larger “mother ships” in open waters. These vessels’ speed and maneuverability make interceptions challenging, though Spanish authorities continue to disrupt these operations with increasing frequency.
“The five face crimes against public health for drug trafficking, serious disobedience, illegal possession of weapons and membership of a criminal organization.”
Guardia Civil·Spanish law enforcement agency
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