Overview

• The semi-submersible vessel, carrying 6.5 tons of cocaine valued at approximately €280 million, was intercepted en route to the European market.
• The operation, named 'Nautilus,' involved Portuguese, Spanish, American, and British authorities, showcasing significant international collaboration.
• Five crew members, identified as a Spaniard, a Colombian, and three Brazilians, were arrested during the seizure.
• The vessel, likely departing from Brazil, reflects the increasing use of semi-submersibles by drug cartels for transatlantic smuggling due to their stealth and capacity.
• Authorities are investigating connections to the Brazilian-based Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), a major criminal organization suspected of involvement in similar operations.