Portuguese authorities intercepted a yacht near the Azores carrying over 1.6 tonnes of cocaine, disrupting a major transatlantic smuggling route.
The 11-meter vessel, traveling from South America to Europe, was stopped off Flores and Corvo, the western islands of the archipelago. Onboard were three foreign nationals, aged 43 to 51, along with 1,660 kilograms of cocaine.
International Drug Network Targeted
The operation is part of Operation Vikings, a two-year investigation to dismantle a criminal group trafficking cocaine into Europe via Portugal. The Portuguese Navy transferred the crew and narcotics to a military ship due to unsafe conditions.
The mission involved over 50 military personnel and was supported by the Portuguese Air Force, Maritime Police, and MAOC-N. Authorities from Spain, France, Ireland, the DEA, and Danish police also contributed.
In Spain, the suspected leader of the organization was arrested. Police seized €63,000, encrypted devices, and other materials.
The detainees face their first hearing at the Ponta Delgada Court on São Miguel Island. The investigation continues, led by the Judiciary Police and Public Ministry.
The Azores have a history of drug smuggling incidents involving yachts crossing the Atlantic. One such case inspired the popular Netflix series Rabo de Peixe and the book Rabo de Peixe – Toda a Verdade by Rúben Pacheco Correia.
