Results of the operation:48 suspects arrested3.8 tonnes of cocaine seized29 house searches in Fuerteventura (2), Gran Canaria (13) and Lanzarote (14)69 vehicles seized (19 boats and speedboats)6 properties seizedEUR 100 000 in cash seizedEuropol played a key role in the investigation by providing crucial analytical and financial support that contributed to the success of the operation. On the action day, a Europol specialist was deployed to Spain to support authorities in the field.Speedboats and satellite terminalsFollowing months of investigation, authorities arrested some 50 members of a criminal network on 3 June. The network introduced cocaine from South America to the European Union by using a sophisticated maritime infrastructure.The gang owned 11 speedboats that were used repeatedly, departing from strategic points in the Atlantic Ocean to a mother ship transporting the cocaine. After loading the drugs onto the speedboats, the suspects dropped them off in the Canary Islands, ready for distribution.Additionally, the criminal network used a complex encrypted communications system to evade law enforcement, including the use of satellite terminals, hard-to-trace phones and a coded language.Crucial police cooperationThis successful joint investigation involved the following authorities from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean: Portugal: Judiciary Police (Polícia Judiciária)Spain: National Police (Policía Nacional)Colombia: National Police (Policía Nacional)UK: National Crime Agency (NCA)USA: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre (MAOC, Narcotics)

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