Summary:
High-speed vessel attempted to ram a Navy boat off the Algarve coast.
Eleven crew members involved, identified and reported to authorities.
Dangerous maneuvers were required to avoid a collision during the chase.
Since 2023, 107 suspects detained and 41 vessels seized in anti-drug operations.
High-Speed Chase on the Algarve Coast
A high-speed vessel (EAV), allegedly operated by drug traffickers, made a dangerous attempt to ram a pursuing Navy boat off the coast of Algarve. This incident occurred in recent days as the Navy and Maritime Police, supported by the Air Force, were engaged in operations in international waters. These efforts led to the detection, interception, and seizure of three EAVs suspected of drug trafficking, which were carrying over a hundred fuel tanks.
According to military sources, the three EAVs were crewed by eleven men, consisting of seven Spaniards and four Moroccans, aged between 23 and 68 years. They have been identified, and the case has been forwarded to the Public Prosecutor's Office.
The fast vessels were located and subsequently pursued by a Navy ship and two high-speed boats, one crewed by Marines and the other by members of the Maritime Police's Tactical Action Group. During the high-speed chase, one of the suspect vessels attempted to ram one of the pursuing boats, putting the lives of Navy personnel at risk. The collision was narrowly avoided thanks to evasive maneuvers.
Since the beginning of 2023, the Navy and Maritime Police have already detained or identified 107 suspects and seized 41 high-speed vessels containing over 33 tons of drugs.
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