How the raid of the Arconian' led to the largest cocaine haul in history

"On Friday, May 1st, a public holiday, Spain's Civil Guard launched a complex operation to board a merchant ship that, according to intelligence reports, was suspected of carrying a massive shipment of cocaine in its holds. That afternoon, eight Civil Guard officers in dark uniforms, helmets and bulletproof vests disembarked from the Civil Guard vessel Duque de Ahumada and boarded a motorboat that took them to the suspicious ship. It was an hour-long journey during which the waves tossed the boat around, as captured on video by another vessel that participated in the operation."

"Guardia Civil Daylight did not favor the operation, as it eliminated the element of surprise. Moreover, the heavy swells continued, further complicating an already risky enterprise. The heavily armed agents of the Special Intervention Unit (UEI, specializing in high-risk situations) managed to climb aboard the ship after 40 minutes of failed attempts, according to sources familiar with the operation who spoke to EL PAIS. Meanwhile, the cargo ship continued to sail without reducing its speed."

"Two more hours elapsed before the agents gained control of the vessel and arrested its 23 crew members. The Spanish judge in charge of the case at the Audiencia Nacional court, Ismael Moreno, places the arrest at 8:30 p.m., court documents show. Civil Guard boat approaching the side of the cargo ship.Guardia Civil It was a tense raid. Once aboard, the agents arrested 17 crew members, all Filipino nationals. The captain, Rodolfo S. G., 69, cooperated with the officers."

Spanish Civil Guard carried out a high-risk operation on May 1 to board a merchant ship suspected of transporting a large cocaine shipment. Eight officers in tactical gear traveled by motorboat from the Civil Guard vessel Duque de Ahumada to the cargo ship Arconian, about 200 nautical miles south of the Canary Islands near Dakhla in Western Sahara. Rough seas and daylight reduced surprise and made boarding difficult. After multiple failed attempts, the Special Intervention Unit agents managed to climb aboard and eventually gained control of the vessel. The operation resulted in the arrest of 23 crew members, including 17 Filipino nationals, while the captain cooperated. The arrest was recorded at 8:30 p.m. in court documents.

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