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Spanish, Ecuadorian police detain 24 people in anti-drug operation

Xinhua, May 15, 2017 Adjust font size:

A joint operation by Spanish and Ecuadorian police has led to the arrest of 24 people as well as the seizure of 5,529 kilos of cocaine, the Spanish Interior Ministry said on Monday.

Spanish Interior Minister Juan Ignacio Zoido tweeted that "an operation by the police, together with those of Ecuador has permitted the interception of a boat with 5,529 kilos of cocaine and the arrest of 24 people."

The Interior Ministry added the 24 detainees were part of a "large organization" dedicated to smuggling drugs between Spain and South America.

"This is one of the largest seizures on cocaine in history and we have broken up an important narcotics smuggling operation," explained Zoido.

Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry also reported the interception of a second boat carrying 2,500 kg of cocaine close to the Canary Islands as part of a second joint operation; this time involving American, British and Portuguese authorities.

This boat, which is reported to have been sailing under a Venezuelan flag, is currently being taken to port in Las Palmas (Gran Canaria). Endit