Portugal Seizes Record-Breaking Eight Tons of Cocaine in Major High Seas Operation

Historic Cocaine Haul Intercepted in Atlantic

Portuguese authorities have announced the seizure of almost eight tons of cocaine in a significant international operation on the high seas, marking the largest apprehension of its kind by Portuguese forces. The operation, named 'Renascer,' involved the interception of two fishing vessels approximately 1,000 nautical miles (1,852 kilometers) from Lisbon, situated between the archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores.

The massive drug haul led to the arrest of ten foreign nationals, identified as Brazilians, who were on board the intercepted vessels. Five of the arrested individuals have since been remanded in custody in Funchal, Madeira.

Multi-Agency International Collaboration

Operation Renascer was a complex and coordinated effort involving a broad spectrum of national and international agencies. The Portuguese Polícia Judiciária (PJ), the Portuguese Navy, and the Portuguese Air Force spearheaded the domestic response. International partners included the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre – Narcotics (MAOC-N) in Lisbon, the Brazilian Federal Police, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the US Joint Interagency Task Force West (JIATF West), and the UK National Crime Agency (NCA).

The operation unfolded in distinct phases, with 4.5 tons of cocaine seized from one vessel in the early hours of November 17, followed by the interception of a second vessel on the afternoon of November 20. The vessels, originating from South America, had loaded the cocaine off the coast of Brazil, intending to transfer the illicit cargo to speedboats mid-Atlantic for onward distribution into Europe.

Extensive Resources Deployed

The scale of the interdiction required substantial resources and logistical coordination. Commander Ricardo Sá Granja of the Portuguese Navy stated that the operation involved over 210 military personnel, covering more than 3,935 nautical miles (approximately 7,280 kilometers) and requiring 339 hours of direct military involvement. The deployment of naval and air assets was crucial in preventing the transfer of drugs to smaller, faster vessels, a common tactic used by drug trafficking networks.

Broader Context of Drug Trafficking

This record seizure underscores Portugal's critical role in combating transatlantic drug trafficking. The Portuguese Navy has been particularly active this year, having collaborated in the seizure of over 17 tons of cocaine on the high seas, including the interception of two semi-submersible vessels (often referred to as 'narco-subs') in March and October. The annual report for 2024 indicated that Portuguese authorities confiscated over 23 tons of cocaine, marking a record since 2006 and highlighting a significant increase in drug seizures.