The Policia Nacional, in collaboration with the Guardia Civil, has dismantled a criminal organisation. The gang were caught smuggling and unloading 1,100 kilograms of cocaine from a high-speed boat in Vilanova de Arousa, Pontevedra.
Seven individuals were arrested during the operation, which also resulted in the seizure of a 12-metre boat with 1,350 horsepower, a firearm, two vehicles, and communication equipment.
The dramatic raid occurred at dawn, with officers intercepting the vessel as it offloaded its cargo at Rego do Alcalde. Simultaneously, a ground team secured the area, preventing the suspects from transporting the drugs via pre-arranged vehicles.
Months of surveillance lead to major bust
The investigation began in November 2024. At this time authorities identified suspicious activity linked to a drug trafficking network based in Salnés, Pontevedra. Under the direction of Vilagarcía de Arousa’s Court of Instruction Three and the Pontevedra Anti-Drug Prosecutor’s Office, agents uncovered the organisation’s plans and identified the transportation method—a powerful speedboat equipped for international smuggling.
Throughout late 2024, investigators monitored both the crew and senior figures orchestrating the operation. These high-ranking individuals coordinated directly with suppliers to load the cocaine and transport it to Spain.
Speedboat with 1,350 horsepower intercepted
By late December, the criminal group launched a high-speed vessel equipped with three 450-horsepower engines, heading into the Atlantic to retrieve the illegal shipment. During the pre-dawn hours of the raid, a special operations unit (GEO) from the Policia Nacional intercepted the vessel as it arrived in Vilanova de Arousa to offload its cargo.
The operation resulted in the following;
- the arrest of seven individuals
- confiscation of over a ton of cocaine
- a 9mm parabellum pistol
- two vehicles
Communication devices used to coordinate the operation and the high-speed boat itself were also seized.
Ongoing fight against cocaine smuggling
Spain remains a key entry point for drug trafficking into Europe, with criminal organisations exploiting its extensive coastline for smuggling operations. However, Spanish authorities have achieved significant success in dismantling these networks. In a major operation last August, the Guardia Civil targeted drug trafficking in Andalucía, seizing 35 narcolanchas (drug boats) and arresting 46 individuals. These efforts highlight the dedication and effectiveness of Spanish law enforcement in tackling organised crime and protecting communities from the harms of the illegal drug trade.
International cooperation and ongoing investigation
The investigation involved close cooperation with international agencies, including the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Portugal’s Polícia Judiciária, and France’s Customs Authority. Authorities have stated that the operation remains ongoing, with additional arrests not ruled out.