Since the dissolution of the special anti-narcotics task force of the Guardia Civil in the Strait of Gibraltar, OCON Sur, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of narcolanchas (high-speed drug smuggling boats) along the southern coast of Spain.
Over 230 of these vessels have been sighted in just six months, according to a report by the Spanish Public Prosecutor’s Office for 2023.
A decline in enforcement
The disbandment of OCON Sur in 2022 has significantly impacted the ability of law enforcement to intercept drug traffickers in the Strait of Gibraltar. According to local prosecutors, the number of judicial investigations has decreased due to reduced police pressure. The report highlights the increasing activity of drug smugglers, particularly in the provinces of Málaga and Huelva. Additionally there is the lack of resources to address the surge of high-speed boats. Some of these are seen in broad daylight between Barbate and Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
Despite the 2018 ban on narcolanchas, no legal advancements have been made to accelerate the destruction of these confiscated boats. The Ministry of Justice also warns of the growing risk of theft, with over 380 large vessels currently stored in police warehouses in Cádiz, Algeciras, and El Puerto de Santa María.
The rising cost of inaction
The inability to destroy or repurpose confiscated narcolanchas has led to a backlog of boats in storage. Furthermore, there are delays in court awaiting approval for their destruction. The cost of storage continues to rise, while police unions report that the boats are unsuitable for law enforcement purposes due to the high cost of repairs and technical adjustments needed to bring them up to standard. Additionally, valuable engines are at risk of being stolen and sold back on the black market.
Fueling the problem
The report also calls for stricter regulations on fuel storage. This could help combat the petaqueros—the key players in supplying fuel to narcolanchas. These boats often avoid docking by refuelling in Moroccan, Portuguese, or international waters, making it difficult for authorities to intercept them. The prosecutors argue that the illegal storage of fuel should be more heavily regulated, as current penalties are insufficient to deter this critical support operation for drug traffickers.
A persistent threat
Narcolanchas remain the primary method for smuggling hashish from Morocco into Spain. However, they are also increasingly used for transporting other substances and even human trafficking. The report highlights a tragic incident near San Fernando, where four migrants died after being thrown overboard.
Despite efforts by Spanish law enforcement, prosecutors emphasise that they lack the resources to chase down these ultra-fast vessel. These are often equipped with multiple 350-horsepower engines and sophisticated navigation systems. Frequently, these boats hide in international waters or in neighbouring countries like Morocco and Portugal, where their trade remains legal.
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