Spanish Customs (Aduanas) video.
March 11, 2026. — Officials from the Spanish Customs Surveillance Service (SVA) of the Tax Agency (AEAT) have intercepted a go-fast vessel with three tons of hashish off the coast of Cadiz and have arrested four people, who have been imprisoned, charged with crimes against public health and smuggling of prohibited goods.
The counter-drug operation, carried out with Spanish Customs (Aduanas) maritime crews and an Airbus H145 D3 helicopter aircrew, has been developed within the framework of permanent surveillance and prevention measures against drug trafficking and smuggling on the coast.
The operation began when Aduanas observation devices detected a 12-meter semi-rigid boat with a power of 1,200 HP, distributed in four 300 HP engines, heading towards the Bay of Cadiz, 10 nautical miles off the coast.
During the counter-drug operation, a patrol boat from the Customs Surveillance Service went in search of the target identified on the radar until visual contact was achieved, at which point the semi-rigid vessel attempted to flee. At that moment, the SVA patrol boat activated the standard audible and visual signals and began the pursuit. Moments later the patrol boat managed to catch up with the ‘narco-boat’ and the Customs Surveillance officials boarded it. At that moment, the smuggling vessel and the illegal cargo it was carrying were secured, and its crew was arrested.
Spanish Customs Surveillance Service (SVA) of the Tax Agency (AEAT) video.
The drug interdiction operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 3,000 kilos of hashish distributed in the usual burlap sacks, the interception of the vessel and the arrest of the four people on board; two of Spanish nationality, one of Colombian nationality and one of Moroccan nationality. All of them, along with the seized goods and effects, were placed at the disposal of the competent court. They are charged with crimes against public health and smuggling prohibited goods.
The Investigation Section of the Court of First Instance of Cádiz, Plaza nº 4, has ordered provisional imprisonment for the four detainees. The investigations are ongoing and further arrests are not ruled out.
Complex maneuver
The operation of boarding a go-fast semi-rigid boat with a power of 1,200 HP and that develops speeds exceeding 100 km/h, constitutes a maneuver that requires preparation, coordination and experience. This is one of the most complex maneuvers that can be performed in the maritime field. The actions of the crew of these smuggling vessels put at risk the safety of those who combat this illegal activity and their own.
The publication of Royal Decree-Law 16/2018 regulating the use of this type of vessel and the recent approval of a similar law in Portugal are aimed at hindering the logistical operations of criminal organizations, constituting an effective tool in the fight against drug trafficking.
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