Almería, Spain - May 17, 2025 The Guardia Civil and Customs Surveillance have seized six boats involved in drug trafficking off the coast of Almería in the Alborán Sea. Four people were arrested for drug trafficking and smuggling. The seized boats, including inflatable and semi-rigid types, were used both to transport drugs and to supply fuel at sea in operations known as “petaqueo.” Authorities confiscated 346 kilos of hashish resin and 1,600 liters of gasoline. The operation targeted criminal groups involved in drug trafficking and irregular immigration using fast boats known as go-fast vessels. Police pressure forced illegal boats to retreat more than 60 nautical miles from the Spanish coast. The detainees face charges including offenses against public health, smuggling, handling and transporting flammable substances with risk to people and the environment, damage, disobedience, and assault on law enforcement officers. Specialized units from land, sea, and air took part in the operation, including the Rapid Action Group (GAR), Reserve and Security Group (ARS), Maritime Service, Air Service, and Citizen Security, alongside Customs Surveillance.