Massive Cocaine Haul: 1.2 Tonnes Seized in High Seas Sting
Three Brits have been nailed in a colossal international drug bust after authorities seized around 1.2 tonnes of cocaine from a yacht cruising 1,200 miles east of Martinique.
Yacht Intercepted by French Navy
The National Crime Agency (NCA) teamed up with French and Spanish forces to strike a major cocaine trafficking gang shipping drugs into Europe.
On December 18, a French navy frigate stopped a Spanish-registered yacht. The crew was caught red-handed with about 40 bales of cocaine worth a staggering £96 million on UK streets once cut.
Among those arrested was the skipper, a 29-year-old from Stornoway, Scotland. All three arrested crew members were taken to Martinique to face serious charges.
Spanish Raids Net More Suspects
Back on mainland Europe, Spanish police swooped in Marbella and Valencia. They grabbed five more suspects believed to be part of the drug ring, including a 62-year-old Brit and his 24-year-old son. The duo were arrested while dining in a Marbella restaurant on December 19. All remain in custody as investigations continue.
International Effort Crushes Crime Gang
The operation brought together NCA officers, Spanish Policia Nacional, French customs (DNRED), the French Navy, and the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre Narcotics (MAOC-N) based in Lisbon.
“This multi-national operation has seen a huge consignment of cocaine prevented from reaching Europe and huge profits denied to organised criminals,” said Paul Owen, NCA’s International Liaison Officer in Madrid.
“I have no doubt that some of these drugs were destined for the UK. Tackling these global networks requires international law enforcement cooperation. I’m grateful to our partners in France, Spain, the Caribbean and MAOC-N for their assistance.
“Working together, we’re determined to target, disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking groups, stopping them from fuelling violence, intimidation and decay in UK communities.”
