Spain and Morocco seize nearly 4.8 tonnes of hashish in high-speed Strait of Gibraltar chase

Detection and pursuit

The operation began when Guardia Civil detected a suspicious semi-rigid boat of the ‘go fast’ type, a vessel commonly used by drug trafficking organisations, navigating the Strait of Gibraltar. After analysing its course, speed and trajectory, the Maritime Service immediately activated its resources, supported by the Guardia Civil Air Service. The boat was loaded with bales of hashish and performed evasive manoeuvres to hinder the police tracking.

During the first phase of the pursuit, a patrol boat of the Maritime Service maintained direct pressure on the suspects. The crew responded by throwing part of the cargo into the sea to lighten the boat, gain speed and make it harder for the officers to seize the drugs. The Air Service located the jettisoned bales while land units covered possible landing points along the coast in case the traffickers attempted to flee ashore.

Recovery at sea

Thanks to the coordinated air and sea effort, 32 bales of hashish weighing approximately 1,200 kg were recovered from the water. The boat, still under pressure, then changed course and headed towards Moroccan waters, seeking to leave Spanish jurisdiction and return to its point of departure.

Moroccan cooperation seals the operation

At that moment, international cooperation channels with the Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie were activated. Moroccan maritime authorities rapidly deployed their own resources to intercept the semi-rigid boat. This integrated action closed off escape routes and prevented the crew from securing their cargo or completing any delivery. The suspects discarded the rest of the load, and Moroccan units recovered 89 additional bales with a weight of about 3,577 kg.

Outcome

The total seizure amounted to 121 bales of hashish, roughly 4,777 kg. No casualties were reported, unlike previous incidents in Punta Umbría or on the Guadiana river. The Civil Guard highlighted the effective coordination of maritime, land and air assets, as well as the swift bilateral cooperation with Morocco, which ensured the entire drug shipment was intercepted.