Cadiz, Spain - June 26, 2024

Spanish authorities, in a joint operation involving the Tax Agency, Civil Guard, and National Police, intercepted a semi-submersible vessel destined for the Iberian Peninsula in the Atlantic Ocean. The operation, led by the Customs Surveillance Service aboard the vessel 'Fulmar', culminated in the apprehension of four Colombian nationals who were rescued after sinking the vessel 280 nautical miles west of the coast of Cadiz upon the approach of the 'Fulmar'.

The vessel in question bears striking similarities to previous 'narco-submarines' intercepted in similar operations, leading investigators to suspect it was transporting cocaine. The operation began on June 24 based on intelligence from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) suggesting a potential transshipment point involving an unidentified target and a presumably semi-rigid boat. The Customs Surveillance Service had already intensified satellite surveillance in the area and dispatched the 'Fulmar' to intercept the vessel.

Early on June 25, approximately 280 nautical miles west of Cadiz, the 'Fulmar' spotted a 20-meter semi-submersible vessel resembling those previously discovered in Aldan in 2019 and Arousa in 2023. Upon realizing their approach, the vessel's crew opened the bottom valves and surfaced to safety. Within minutes, the semi-submersible flooded and sank along with its cargo. The four Colombian crew members were rescued and subsequently arrested by the 'Fulmar' crew.

In a parallel operation, Spanish authorities, with international collaboration from the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) and the U.S. DEA, seized 900 kilograms of cocaine 200 nautical miles off the coast of the Canary Islands.

The successful interception underscores the effectiveness of international cooperation and intelligence sharing in combating maritime drug trafficking in the Atlantic.