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Portugal Navy and Maritime Police seize two high speed boats suspected of drug trafficking. The operation happened between November 27 and 29, 2024 in international waters south of Portugal. This is part of an ongoing effort to combat drug smuggling in the region.
The Navy said the boats carried more than 300 fuel tanks in a statement. They were pursued and intercepted by two teams. One is from the Maritime Police’s Tactical Actions Group (GAT) and the other is from the Navy’s marines. Support came from an ocean patrol vessel, two speedboats, and a Navy drone.
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Portugal Navy And Maritime Police Seize Two Drug Boats
Nine men were arrested during the operation. The group includes six Spaniards, Moroccan, Colombian, and French nationals. The suspects were arrested so that they were identified and court processes got started.
They said in the statement:
Operation resulted in the seizure of two high-speed vessels, suspected of being involved in drug trafficking and which in together they carried more than 300 fuel tanks.
The action is a part of a bigger plan to stop drug trade in the water around Portugal. From the beginning of 2023 to now, police have taken back 48 boats and more than 33 tons of drugs. They have also arrested 120 people involved in these acts.
They added:
After being identified as suspects, they were pursued and intercepted by two high-speed boats, one manned by members of the Maritime Police’s Tactical Actions Group (GAT) and the other by marines. The operation was supported by an ocean patrol vessel, two speedboats and a Navy unmanned aerial vehicle (drone)
Portugal location makes it a key point for drug smugglers moving narcotics from South America to Europe. Criminal networks use fast and agile boats to move drugs quickly. These boats are often equipped with large fuel tanks to cover long distances.
Authorities said:
The two suspect vessels were manned by nine individuals, six Spanish, one Moroccan, one Colombian and one French, aged between 22 and 54. The nine suspects were subjected to the necessary procedures for their identification and legal processing.
To tackle this issue, Portugal has increased surveillance and improved coordination between its Navy and law enforcement agencies. The latest operation shows the success of this strategy.
They explained:
The Navy, using resources from the Naval Command, and the Maritime Police, is continually carrying out anti-drug trafficking missions aimed at disrupting the illicit transport of narcotics.
Chief Of Staff Role In The Operation
The Chief of Staff of the Navy Admiral Gouveia e Melo played a significant role in this operation. The Admiral was present during the mission.
Admiral Gouveia e Melo is set to leave his post soon and is running for President of Portugal. His time as Chief of Staff has been marked by a focus on modernizing the Navy and improving its effectiveness.
His leadership has been a key factor in the Navy’s recent successes. The Admiral’s efforts have earned respect both within the military and from the public.
Fight Against Drug Trafficking And Ongoing Challenges
Stopping drug trafficking has a broad impact beyond Portugal. Portugal disrupts the operations of international drug cartels by intercepting these boats. These groups rely on high-speed boats to move drugs quickly and evade capture.
When officials capture these boats it weakens the networks behind them. It also stops big amounts of drugs from reaching Europe.
Portugal’s plan uses modern technology like drones with skilled people. This method has proven successful and sets an example for other countries in the fight against drug crime.
Drug gangs have huge resources and are always looking for new ways to move drugs. Authorities must stay alert and react to new methods.
International coordination will also play a key role in this fight. Portugal’s place as a gateway to Europe means it is at the front line of this fight.
This operation sends a strong message to drug traffickers. Portugal is determined to protect its waters and stop illegal activities. The Navy and Maritime Police have shown they are prepared to face this challenge.
