Vigo, Spain – Authorities recovered 150 kilograms of cocaine hidden in the hull of a container ship.

The drug was concealed in a compartment below the waterline and was recovered by a group of divers.

Agents from the Policía Nacional and Vigilancia Aduanera of the Agencia Tributaria led the operation. The cocaine was attached to the submerged structure of the merchant vessel.

The operation involved divers from the Grupo Especial de Operaciones and agents from the Maritime Base of Vigilancia Aduanera in Vigo. They found the cocaine hidden inside five bags placed in a hatch.

The American agency DEA collaborated in the operation. They had alerted Spanish authorities about the possible arrival of the drug into the country.

The investigation began in early April after the DEA informed of an international criminal organization planning to bring a large shipment of cocaine into Spain through Vigo.

Investigators determined that the organization intended to use a container ship docking in Vigo. They also discovered that the smuggling method could involve attaching the drugs to the submerged part of the ship’s hull.

When the suspected ship docked, a coordinated inspection of the submerged area was conducted. Divers and agents discovered five bags containing the 150 kilograms of cocaine.

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