A semi-submersible vessel carrying nearly nine tonnes of cocaine has been stopped in the Atlantic Ocean thanks in part to work by the National Crime Agency.

The vessel, which originated in Latin America, was stopped in storm conditions in international waters on Saturday, approximately 230 nautical miles from the Azores.

It was carrying 8.8 tonnes of cocaine which, if sold on UK streets, would have a value of around £710m.

The NCA and a range of partners worked together to enable a joint operation conducted by Portugal’s navy, air force and judicial police (Policia Judiciaria) to stop the semi-submersible which was crewed by four men who were arrested.

The cocaine was packaged up inside 300 bales.

Gill Duggan, Head of Europe at the NCA, said: “We are proud to have contributed with international partners to this massive haul of cocaine which would have led to bloodshed and misery if it had got to mainland Europe.

“The NCA is uniquely positioned to work with global partners in law enforcement to help prevent Class A drugs entering the UK.

“And this seizure is another example of how important those international partnerships are in protecting UK residents and punching big holes in the profits of crime groups.”

The NCA supported the operation through its position at MAOC-N in Lisbon (Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre – Narcotics).

The operation also had the support of the Azores Criminal Investigation Department of the Policia Judiciaria, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and Joint Interagency Task Force South.

Policia Judiciaria continue to investigate.

27 January 2026