Cocaine Cowboys Busted Canary Islands Drug Ring Crumbles!

Canary Islands: International Cocaine Ring Dismantled in Massive Drug Bust

In a significant blow to international drug trafficking, a major cocaine smuggling operation utilizing a network of speedboats to transport narcotics from South America to the Canary Islands has been dismantled. Authorities have confirmed the arrest of 48 suspects and the seizure of nearly four tonnes of cocaine in coordinated raids across Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote.

The operation, dubbed "Operation Black Shadow," involved law enforcement agencies from Europe, including the UK, as well as South America and the United States, showcasing a collaborative effort to combat transnational crime.

Spain's Policia Nacional revealed the intricate methods employed by the gang, which included the use of 11 "narco boats" to smuggle the drugs across the Atlantic. A particularly audacious element of the operation involved using an abandoned wreck at sea as a refuelling platform.

Here are some key highlights of the operation:

• Cocaine Source: Primarily Brazil and Colombia
• Smuggling Method: Speedboats transporting drugs to a "mother ship" in the Atlantic.
• Communication: Complex encrypted systems including satellite terminals, hard-to-trace phones, and coded language.
• Assets Seized: 69 vehicles, including boats and jet skis, alongside cash and firearms.
• Properties Searched: 29

Europol released footage of the arrests, highlighting the scale and intensity of the operation. The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) confirmed that a British national was among those arrested, underscoring the international scope of the criminal network.

Investigators emphasized the sophisticated communication strategies used by the gang to evade detection, stating they employed "a complex encrypted communications system to evade law enforcement, including the use of satellite terminals, hard-to-trace phones and a coded language."

The raids, months in the planning, offer a glimpse into the complex and ever-evolving tactics used by international drug smuggling gangs to infiltrate Europe, a major market for South American cartels. Authorities also seized €100,000 (£84,000/$114,000) and guns during the raids.

This successful operation serves as a testament to the effectiveness of international collaboration in combating organized crime and disrupting the flow of illegal narcotics. The dismantling of this sophisticated cocaine ring sends a clear message that law enforcement agencies are committed to dismantling these networks and bringing perpetrators to justice. It reinforces the importance of continued vigilance and cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking worldwide.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yezgd8p3wo