More than 3.3 tons of cocaine have been seized in a joint operation by Spanish and Portuguese authorities in the Costa del Sol region of Spain and Portugal.
As part of the operation, three people were arrested, two in Spain and one in Portugal, who are suspected of being part of an international drug trafficking network.
The operation took place on August 13, following a joint investigation by authorities from both countries, who suspect the group was transporting large quantities of cocaine between Spain and Portugal.
Those arrested face a range of charges, including participation in a criminal organization, drug trafficking, illegal possession of weapons, assault on police officers and violation of road safety regulations.
The investigation began when Spanish authorities received information that a van was transporting a significant amount of drugs from Portugal to the Costa del Sol.
The investigation led authorities to a property in Torremolinos, where large quantities of cocaine were discovered. In parallel, officers began monitoring vehicles suspected of being used to transport and store the drugs.
One of the vehicles was driven to Marbella, where it was stopped by police. During the search, approximately 2,000 kilograms of cocaine were found and one person was arrested.
At the same time, a search of a property in Torremolinos led to the seizure of around 1,700 kilograms of cocaine. Another person was arrested at the scene, while police also found a loaded pistol.
Seizure in Portugal
The operation also extended to Portugal, where the Judicial Police identified the van suspected of being used to transport drugs, as it was returning to Spain.
The vehicle was stopped and its driver was arrested. About 1,500 kilograms of cocaine were found inside the van, as well as two long-barreled guns. The driver was the third person arrested in the operation.
In addition to the drugs and weapons, authorities seized a total of three weapons, two vehicles, and around 1,100 euros in cash.
During the searches, surveillance cameras, night vision devices and communication equipment were also found, which are being analyzed by investigators to shed light on the organization and operation of the international drug trafficking network.