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Storm Pushes Smuggling Boats to Andalusian Ports as Police Seize One, Hunt Others

Rough seas are driving semi‑rigid smuggling boats into harbors, raising pursuit risks for Spanish law enforcement.

Overview

  • Guardia Civil intercepted a semi‑rigid narcolancha at La Herradura on the Costa de Granada and seized the craft and fuel containers, but the occupant escaped.
  • A second boat seen in the same area has not been located and is considered likely to have headed west toward Málaga, with search efforts ongoing.
  • At Caleta de Vélez in Málaga, three semi‑rigid boats taking shelter from the storm were challenged by a Vigilancia Aduanera patrol and ultimately fled to open water without injuries or arrests.
  • Authorities identified the targeted vessels as refueling platforms rather than drug‑carrying boats, consistent with the seizure of jerrycans.
  • Operations continue in heavy surf and low visibility, with identification hampered by masked, neoprene‑clad crews and with safety concerns shaped by a deadly Barbate confrontation in 2024.