Cargo ship carrying 30 tonnes of cocaine intercepted near Tenerife
A vessel carrying more than 30 tonnes of cocaine has been intercepted near the Canary Islands in what is believed to be the largest drug seizure ever made at sea in the region. The operation was led by the Guardia Civil, took place around 200 miles off Tenerife and involved armed crew members on board.
The ship had departed from West Africa and stopped during the night of Friday, 1st May. It arrived under escort at the port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on Sunday afternoon, where investigations are now ongoing.
Officers discovered the drugs hidden inside the inner structure of the vessel’s hull, although a final count is still pending. Early estimates suggest the haul exceeds 30 tonnes, making it the biggest seizure of its kind near the Canary Islands.
The operation involved specialist units, including the Grupo de Reserva y Seguridad and the elite Unidad Especial de Intervención.
A total of 23 crew members were found on board, including 17 Filipino nationals and six Angolan nationals. Investigators believe the Filipino crew handled navigation and general duties, while the Angolan group was responsible for security and overseeing the cargo.
Authorities say some crew members were armed with assault rifles, including AK-47s and M16-type weapons, likely to protect the shipment from rival traffickers. When officers boarded the vessel, they were reportedly hiding in the bow.
The ship, named Arconian, is believed to have left Freetown in Sierra Leone on 22nd April and was allegedly heading towards Libya. One line of inquiry suggests the drugs were intended to be transferred gradually onto smaller boats in waters near the Canary Islands and the Strait of Gibraltar.
Investigators also believe the vessel was carrying fuel to supply these smaller craft during the offloading process. The case is currently under judicial secrecy and is being handled by Spain’s National Court.
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