Authorities in Portugal seized 6.5 tons of cocaine that was planned to be transported to Europe. The Portuguese police announced that they had seized a semi-submerged sea vessel carrying 6.5 tons of cocaine intended for transport to Europe. Officials revealed that the operation took place on Tuesday.

The vessel was stopped in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 500 nautical miles south of the Azores Islands, with five crew members being detained. The operation involved the Portuguese Air Force and Navy, along with the Spanish Civil Guard. Additionally, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and British authorities supported the operation. The Portuguese police mentioned that the apprehended suspects were linked to an international crime organization based in South America but did not provide further details regarding the organization’s specific country of origin. Authorities in Europe occasionally intercept homemade semi-submerged sea vessels coming from South America and transporting drugs. These vessels typically travel close to the water’s surface to avoid detection but do not have the capability to completely submerge underwater.