Portuguese and Spanish Authorities Seize Semi-Submersible Carrying Nearly 7 Tons of Cocaine

The vessel, intercepted 500 nautical miles south of the Azores, is suspected to have ties to Brazil’s PCC cartel as investigations continue.

Portuguese and Spanish police intercepted a semi-submersible vessel carrying 6.5 tons of cocaine destined for the European market.
The operation took place approximately 500 nautical miles south of the Azores, with five crew members arrested on board.
Authorities suspect the vessel departed from Brazil and may be linked to the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), a major Brazilian drug cartel.
Semi-submersible vessels are increasingly used in transatlantic drug smuggling due to their low visibility and ability to carry large quantities of narcotics.
Investigations are ongoing to confirm the origins of the vessel and establish definitive links to transnational drug organizations.