Major Drug Interception by Guardia Civil in Fuerteventura
Overview of the Operation
On December 10, 2025, a significant operation conducted by the Guardia Civil led to the arrest of three men in Fuerteventura for attempting to smuggle 877 kilograms of hashish into the island using a narcolancha, or drug boat. This operation, codenamed ‘Puerto Nuevo,’ showcases the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the region and highlights the effectiveness of international cooperation in combating this global issue.
International Cooperation
The successful execution of Operation Puerto Nuevo was made possible through collaboration between the Guardia Civil and Morocco’s General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST). This partnership exemplifies the importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing the complex networks involved in drug trafficking. The operation was initiated after receiving vital intelligence from Moroccan authorities, which pointed to heightened criminal activity in Fuerteventura.
Intelligence Gathering and Surveillance
Investigators from the Guardia Civil began monitoring a group suspected of drug trafficking upon receiving information from Morocco. Their surveillance revealed suspicious interactions and movements among the individuals involved. The agents identified December 10 as the likely date for a drug smuggling attempt, prompting them to set up mechanisms to intercept the operation as it unfolded.
Deployment on the Night of the Incident
On the evening of December 10, agents observed an unusual spike in activity near a southern beach of Fuerteventura. This activity coincided with the approach of an approximately eight-meter semi-rigid boat, outfitted with an outboard motor. As the boat reached the shore, the agents sprang into action. Moments after the crew landed, a large commercial van was seen leaving the area at high speed.
Arrests and Seizure of Drugs
The Guardia Civil successfully intercepted the fleeing van, apprehending its three occupants. Inside the vehicle, they discovered 23 burlap bales, which were tested and confirmed to contain hashish, totaling about 877.1 kilograms. This substantial seizure reflects both the scale of the operation and the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating drug trafficking.
Further Actions and Consequences
In addition to the narcotics, the Guardia Civil confiscated the two land vehicles involved in the operation, the semirigid boat, as well as several mobile phones and GPS devices. These items are crucial for further investigations and understanding the broader network at play in drug smuggling operations.
Following the arrests, the detainees were taken to the First Instance and Instruction Court No. 8 in Puerto del Rosario. It was soon decided that the men would be imprisoned at the Tahiche Penitentiary in Lanzarote while the judicial process continues.
Implications for Drug Trafficking Trends
This incident not only demonstrates the persistent issue of drug trafficking in the Canary Islands but also emphasizes the importance of collaborative law enforcement efforts. The interception highlights ongoing strategies used by criminal organizations to utilize remote coastal areas for drug smuggling and the challenges authorities face in addressing these activities.
The effectiveness of operations like Puerto Nuevo serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation among international law enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking internationally. As the situation evolves, the Guardia Civil remains committed to safeguarding the region and its communities from the impact of drug-related crime.
