Recorded serious success in the fight against international drug trafficking Portuguese navy. In the Atlantic Ocean, the country’s naval forces intercepted mini-submarinecarrying about 1.7 tons of cocaine.
There were four citizens on board Venezuelawhich were heading to the European coast, presumably to unload cargo in one of the countries of Southern Europe. After being detained, they were arrested and taken under heavy guard to the port.
?? Portuguese intelligence services intercepted a “narco-submarine” in the Atlantic Ocean carrying more than 1.7 tons of cocaine.
All four crew members, Venezuelan nationals, were arrested and handed over to criminal courts. pic.twitter.com/cOr8ehrieL
— Visegrad 24 (@visegrad24) November 5, 2025
According to Portuguese sources, the operation took place with the participation of the navy and coast guard. The interception was made possible thanks to intelligence provided by international partners involved in monitoring Atlantic drug cartel routes.
According to experts, after US Navy carried out a series of attacks on drug cartel speedboats in Caribbean SeaSouth American groups switched to new routes – across the Atlantic to Europe. It is this route that is becoming increasingly popular for the supply of large quantities of drugs.
Mini-submarines of this type are capable of traveling thousands of kilometers underwater and are practically not detected by radar, which makes them an ideal means for hidden contraband. However, the incident off the coast of Portugal shows that European forces have increased control over the sea and are prepared for such threats.
The seized cargo is estimated at hundreds of millions of euros in market value. The investigation is being carried out by the Portuguese Organized Crime Service in coordination with Interpol And Europol.
This case confirms that drug cartels are looking for new directions after the weakening of transatlantic control by the United States – and European coast is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for underwater cocaine shipments.
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