Three tons of cocaine were seized off the coast of the Algarve: One person was reported dead in the international operation

Approximately three tons of cocaine were seized in an international anti-drug operation off the southern coast of Portugal. In the “Mare Nostrum” operation carried out by Polícia Judiciária (PJ), a high-speed boat was stopped approximately 80 nautical miles south of Faro. It was also reported in the Portuguese media that one person died during the operation. However, official statements regarding the circumstances of the death have not yet clarified all the details.

High-speed boat spotted off Faro

According to the statement of Polícia Judiciária, the operation was carried out as part of an investigation against international drug trafficking.

Security forces detected a high-speed boat traveling approximately 80 nautical miles south of Faro.

This distance corresponds to approximately 148 kilometers.

When the boat did not comply with the stop warning, a pursuit was initiated at sea.

After pursuit, the boat was stopped and approximately three tons of cocaine were seized.

It was reported that there were three foreign nationals on the boat.

More than one country participated in the operation

The Mare Nostrum operation was carried out with the participation of different Portuguese security institutions as well as international partners.

Polícia Judiciária, Portuguese Navy and Polícia Marítima took part in the operation.

Italy's Guardia di Finanza unit also participated in the work.

In the international dimension of the investigation, MAOC-N (Maritime Analysis and Operations) Center – Narcotics) coordination mechanism was used.

Spain's Guardia Civil unit and the Portuguese Air Force were also involved in the cooperation in the investigation process.

This cooperation shows that drug trafficking is not limited to the Portuguese coast, but is linked to organized criminal activities carried out through international sea routes.

Did someone die during the operation?

According to Portugal Resident's news dated October 12, one person who was seriously injured during the operation later died.

The news stated that the death information was also conveyed by SIC Notícias and Correio da Manhã.

However, the first official statement of Polícia Judiciária did not include details about the death.

For this reason, the exact circumstances of the death, at what stage of the intervention it occurred, and the results of the forensic investigation cannot be considered clear yet.

Initial media reports also claimed that the three people on the boat were Spanish. In PJ's first statement, it was enough to say that the people were foreign nationals.

These two levels of knowledge must be separated.

Why is the Algarve an important route for drug trafficking?

Portugal's southern coast is frequently brought up in international smuggling investigations due to its location close to maritime activity between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean.

Especially high-speed boats, large amounts of cargo in a short time Because they can carry loads, they can be used by organized crime groups.

In recent weeks, various operations regarding high-speed boats and their refueling have been carried out off the Algarve coast.

Authorities are working with intelligence and control units of different countries to detect drugs that are being tried to be smuggled into Europe by sea.

However, the size of a single operation does not prove that all drug trafficking activities in the region have increased to the same extent.

What will happen to the seized drugs?

Substances seized during large-scale drug operations are recorded within the scope of investigation and judicial processes.

The type, quantity and quality of evidence of the drug can be evaluated through relevant expert examinations.

In the continuation of the investigation, the suspects' connections, marine vehicles used, financing and logistics networks may be investigated.

The PJ states that the Mare Nostrum operation was part of an investigation into an organized crime structure suspected of trying to smuggle large quantities of drugs into Europe.

However, suspicions at the investigation stage do not mean that the guilt of the people involved has been confirmed.

Resources

- Portugal Resident — One dead after police chase suspected drug dealers, seize three tons of cocaine off Faro, Michael Bruxo, 12 October 2026

- Polícia Judiciária — Official institution and operation descriptions