The vessel, named Arconian and flying the flag of Comoros, was escorted to the Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria last Sunday. Upon its arrival, all 23 crew members were arrested, and authorities proceeded to weigh the packages, estimating the haul could range between 30,000 and 45,000 kilograms of cocaine.
This operation, which remains under judicial secrecy by the Audiencia Nacional, represents one of the most significant blows to drug trafficking in Spain. Investigation sources suggest the seized quantity could surpass the ten tons of cocaine intercepted in January in another maritime operation west of the Canary Islands.
“"Images that speak for themselves: intervention on the high seas, detainees in custody, and a war arsenal seized on board. The Civil Guard intercepts a freighter with a cocaine haul that could set a record in Spain."
The freighter had departed on April 22 from Freetown (Sierra Leone) with a declared destination of Benghazi (Libya). Its interception is part of an international anti-drug trafficking operation, which also involved agents from Customs Surveillance. Once in port, a thorough search of the vessel will be conducted.
This event highlights the strategic position of the Canary Islands archipelago in international drug trafficking routes. During the first months of 2026, security forces have intensified their actions, with dozens of operations and tons of narcotics seized, mainly cocaine and hashish, amidst a global increase in drug production and consumption.
