The semi-submersible vessel was intercepted 900 km off the Azores, marking one of Portugal’s largest drug seizures and highlighting growing use of submarines by global trafficking networks
Lisbon, Portugal | March 25, 2025 – Portuguese authorities have intercepted a semi-submersible submarine carrying nearly 6.5 tonnes of cocaine, in a major international anti-narcotics operation. The vessel was stopped around 500 nautical miles (over 900 km) south of the Azores archipelago, en route to the Iberian peninsula.
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The haul is significant, accounting for nearly a quarter of the record 23 tonnes of cocaine seized across Portugal in 2024. The country is widely considered a primary gateway for cocaine entering Europe, often trafficked via sea routes from Latin America.
According to a statement by the Portuguese judicial police, the vessel was operated by an international crime syndicate, with five crew members onboard. The interception was made possible through a joint effort involving the Portuguese navy and air force, along with international agencies including the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), and Spain’s Guardia Civil.
These so-called “narco-submarines”—while not fully submersible like military submarines—are increasingly being used by cartels due to their stealth design and ability to evade radar.
🌊 Background:
Portugal has emerged as a critical frontline in Europe’s battle against international drug trafficking. Most of the cocaine seized originates in Latin America, transported across the Atlantic in vessels like fishing trawlers, shipping containers—and increasingly, custom-built submersibles.
This latest seizure underscores growing international collaboration and the evolving tactics of organized crime networks.
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