Operation of the Tax Agency against drug trafficking

• The semi-rigid vessel, which had four engines with 300 HP each, was boarded by a vessel from the Customs Surveillance Service

• Four people have been arrested and imprisoned, charged with crimes against public health and smuggling prohibited goods.

March 11, 2026. Officials from the Customs Surveillance Service of the Tax Agency have intercepted a 'narco-boat' 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 operation, carried out with naval and air resources, has been developed within the framework of permanent surveillance and prevention measures against drug trafficking and smuggling on the coast.

The operation began when Customs 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, ten nautical miles off the coast.

After its detection, 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 patrol car 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.

The 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 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.