An international coalition of law enforcement agencies conducted a unique operation in the Atlantic Ocean, thwarting an attempt to smuggle a massive drug shipment from Latin America to Europe. Portuguese police, with the active support of US and UK intelligence agencies, tracked down and intercepted a specialized "narco-submarine" carrying nearly nine tons of cocaine. During the assault on the semi-submersible vessel, four crew members were detained, including three Colombian citizens and one Venezuelan, who were responsible for the complex transoceanic logistics.

Despite the successful capture of the suspects, the final phase of the operation was marred by the loss of some evidence: during the seizure of the cargo, the submarine lost stability and sank, taking 35 heavy bales of the illicit substance with it to the bottom. Nevertheless, the scale of the seizure and the very fact of intercepting such a sophisticated piece of equipment demonstrate the growing effectiveness of international cooperation in the fight against South American cartels. European authorities emphasize that the use of such "invisible" boats has become standard for drug trafficking, but coordinated intelligence operations make it possible to block even the most sophisticated supply routes deep in the Atlantic.