Story perspectives

Civil Guard Nabs 45-Ton Cocaine Haul, 20 Arrests

5/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Civil Guard seized about 45,000 kg of cocaine from a freighter near the Canary Islands, the largest haul in Spain’s history.
The operation arrested about 20 people and showed the ship left Freetown for Benghazi, suggesting a transfer to smaller boats for European distribution.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska called it one of the biggest seizures nationally, while the Civil Guard kept details secret, noting it exceeds the 13-tonne 2024 record.

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Story summary

The Civil Guard seized about 45,000 kg of cocaine from a freighter near the Canary Islands, the largest haul in Spain’s history.
The operation arrested about 20 people and showed the ship left Freetown for Benghazi, suggesting a transfer to smaller boats for European distribution.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska called it one of the biggest seizures nationally, while the Civil Guard kept details secret, noting it exceeds the 13-tonne 2024 record.