Spain seizes mega cocaine shipment at sea

Spain has disrupted a major drug trafficking route after intercepting the cargo vessel MV Arconian, The Maritime Telegraph reports. Authorities estimate the seizure at 30–45 tonnes of cocaine, setting a new national record and ranking among the largest maritime drug busts globally. The scale points to a well-funded, highly coordinated supply chain targeting Europe.

 

The Guardia Civil stopped the 4,347 DWT vessel on May 1 off Western Sahara and escorted it to Las Palmas for inspection. Although the ship listed Benghazi as its destination, investigators believe the declared route likely masked a floating distribution hub used to move drugs via smaller vessels.

 

Officials say this method helps traffickers avoid detection by splitting cargo offshore before it reaches major ports. Given the volume involved, analysts believe the operation points to an advanced logistics network with multiple transfer stages.

 

Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska confirmed the seizure breaks previous Spanish records by a wide margin. Earlier cases (13 tonnes in Algeciras and 10 tonnes at sea this year) now appear significantly smaller. Initial findings show the vessel packed with cocaine and carrying weapons, raising concerns about the scale and organization behind the operation. Authorities detained all 23 crew members, while the investigation continues.

 

Picture: @WorldCrimeIntel / X