New intervention against drug trafficking in Andalusian waters with an episode of high tension. A drug-trafficking boat rammed a patrol boat of the Customs Surveillance Service during a pursuit off the coast of Almería, in an incident that resulted in no injuries among the officers, according to information known so far.
The episode occurred during an operation against a vessel linked to so-called "petaqueo," the transport of fuel intended to supply other drug-trafficking boats used in activities related to drug trafficking.
What happened during the pursuit
According to information published by sources familiar with the operation, the pursuit ended with the drug-trafficking boat impacting the official vessel of the Customs Surveillance Service, dependent on the Tax Agency.
As a consequence of the collision, the patrol boat suffered material damage, although no injuries were recorded among the agents participating in the intervention.
The intercepted vessel was carrying fuel canisters, a system usually linked to the logistical support of drug trafficking networks operating in the southern peninsula.
Escape after the collision
After the incident, the occupants of the drug-trafficking boat managed to escape using an auxiliary inflatable boat.
The intervention did not allow for the complete transfer of the intercepted vessel, which ultimately could not be towed to port.
The episode once again focuses attention on the activity of drug-trafficking boats in southern Spain and the risks of this type of operation for the bodies involved in maritime surveillance.