A narcosubmarine allegedly carrying 6.6 tonnes of cocaine was intercepted in Portugal.

The Guardia Civil provided crucial information to Portuguese authorities, facilitating the successful interception off the Azores while the vessel was en route to the Iberian Peninsula.

The Navy and Air Force detained five crew members aboard the semi-submersible vessel.

Authorities reported that the crew was believed to be linked to an international criminal organisation.

The operation involved Spain's Central Operative Unit (UCO) and the Spanish Anti-Drug and Organised Crime Centre (CRAIN), working in coordination with Portugal's Judicial Police, the U.K.'s National Crime Agency (NCA), and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).