Massive Cocaine Bust Off Lisbon Coast: 2.3 Tons Seized as Traffickers' Boat Sinks During Chase

International Drug Trafficking Operation Foiled

A major international police operation has resulted in the seizure of over 2.3 tons of cocaine from a high-speed boat intercepted off the coast of Lisbon. The operation, codenamed "Galgo," involved multiple international agencies and revealed dramatic details about the failed trafficking attempt.

The Interception and Seizure

The Polícia Judiciária (PJ) participated in what they described as a "large-scale maritime operation" coordinated through the MAOC(N) - Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre - Narcotics. Authorities successfully intercepted a high-speed boat carrying the massive cocaine shipment in international waters.

According to an official statement released on Wednesday, the operation led to the seizure of "several vessels in international waters" and the "successful interception of a high-speed boat transporting more than 2.3 tons of cocaine."

"Since these vessels, as a rule, do not comply with authorities' orders to stop, the French naval unit involved in the interception had to resort to using force to disable the boat's engines," the authority stated.

The Failed Escape Attempt

Four crew members were detained following the boarding, and the drugs were seized. Three of the boat's crew members were handed over to Spanish authorities.

Spanish newspaper "El Confidencial" had previously reported on October 23rd about a major operation they called "Malladoira" that had seized nearly 2.4 tons of cocaine and detained four crew members. SIC confirmed this is the same operation announced by national authorities as "Galgo."

Technical Problems Doom Trafficking Mission

According to the Spanish newspaper, even criminals face setbacks. The drug-carrying vessel measured 12 meters with three engines and four crew members on board, but suffered from "technical problems".

The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) first alerted authorities on Friday, October 17th, about a vessel that was part of drug shipments being "chartered" by the criminal group along an Atlantic crossing route. Investigators believe the cocaine was being transported from Madeira to Galicia, covering approximately 1,500 kilometers to enter Europe.

The boat was located early on Saturday morning, October 18th, in the open sea off the coast of Lisbon. According to Spain's National Police Unit for Combating Drugs and Organized Crime, the traffickers "were experiencing technical problems and waiting for another part of the criminal network, based in Portugal, to provide support".

Dramatic Sinking During Tow

The waiting proved unsuccessful as authorities had already located the boat. A French Navy ship intercepted them during Saturday night and escorted them to Calvo Sotelo dock in the port of A Coruña.

According to the National Police, the gang still attempted to escape by throwing the drugs into the sea. Police sources further revealed that the boat used in the attempted escape from the French patrol was in such poor condition that it ended up sinking during the towing operation.

Massive International Cooperation

The PJ reported that Operation "Galgo" was coordinated "through MAOC(N) and involved close collaboration between various international partners, including the French Navy, the French Anti-Drug Office (OFAST), the Customs Coast Guard Service (SGCD), the UK National Crime Agency (NCA), the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), along with Portuguese Navy, Air Force and Judicial Police, as well as Spanish authorities".

Given the "extensive maritime area covered by the operation," authorities mobilized three frigates, three surveillance aircraft, and one helicopter.