Spanish Intercept Large Cocaine Vessel Off Canary Islands
Spanish Civil Guard intercepted 295-foot freighter in international waters off Canary Islands. Ship registered in Comoros, departed Freetown, Sierra Leone, bound for Benghazi, Libya. Vessel contained up to 40 tons of cocaine, a potentially historic haul. 23 people, including Filipino, Angolan, and Dutch nationals, arrested. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska called seizure one of the largest nationally and internationally. Spain has recorded major maritime busts, including 13 tons in 2024 and 10 tons in January. Investigation remains under legal secrecy in Canary Islands