Portuguese law enforcement authorities intercepted a semi-submersible submarine off the coast of the Azores Islands. The vessel was carrying nearly 6.5 tons of smuggled cocaine. This was reported by the Portuguese Judiciary Police on March 25.
The operation to seize the vessel took place as part of Operation Nautilus, which involved the Portuguese Navy and Air Force, as well as law enforcement agencies from the United Kingdom, Spain, and the United States.
The interception occurred in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 900 kilometers south of the Azores Islands. There were five crew members on board the vessel. Portugal is considered one of the main entry points for drug trafficking into Europe. Most of the cocaine is smuggled into the country by sea from Latin America.
In December last year, Portuguese authorities reported the seizure of 3.5 tons of cocaine hidden in a shipment of bananas.
