Lisbon, Dec. 10, 2025 (Lusa) - The Portuguese national guard (GNR) and their Spanish counterparts arrested 15 people and seized 1,509 kilograms of hashish and 36 boats in a joint operation to combat drug trafficking by sea in the Iberian Peninsula, it was announced on Wednesday.

In a joint statement, the GNR and the Spanish Guardia Civil said that this operation, which took place over three weeks in November, was carried out as part of a joint cooperation to combat the logistical structure supporting international drug trafficking by sea in the Iberian Peninsula.

According to the two police forces, this is "the first coordinated effort to combat cross-border crime" and will continue over time through the planning of new operations on both sides of the border with "the aim of maintaining pressure on organised crime, consolidating cooperation between the two countries" and strengthening public security.

In a review of the operation, called “Diana”, the GNR and the Guardia Civil say that 15 people were arrested and 1,509 kilos of hashish, 36 boats, nine of which were high-speed, 1,472 cans of fuel, 13 vehicles and a firearm were seized, in addition to the issuance of 98 administrative offence reports (i.e. fines).

These two security forces indicate that actions were carried out at different points in the province of Huelva, as well as in Portuguese border areas.

"The GNR and the Spanish Civil Guard coordinated a crackdown on cross-border crime, especially drug trafficking and logistical support, which share the same context in the border areas between southern Portugal and the province of Huelva," the statement said.

The two security forces emphasise that Operation Diana, which will remain "active", is a response to the increase in coordinated actions with the neighbouring country.

According to the GNR and the Guardia Civil, this operation was created "due to police pressure in the Gibraltar area, which forced criminal organisations involved in drug trafficking to change their modus operandi and the locations where they unload drugs, moving to the border between the two countries, which coincides with the Guadiana River".

According to the police forces of both countries, the border location of this river, as well as the multiple channels that flow from it, were considered "by criminal organisations as an opportunity to unload drugs, using high-powered, large-capacity semi-rigid boats, thus attempting to evade control in the Strait of Gibraltar".

"The GNR and the Guardia Civil have committed themselves to strengthening and facilitating continuous coordination to combat this threat, through a police presence in the cross-border regions by land, sea and air, thus ensuring public safety, surveillance and road safety control, while also allowing for the exchange of information between both police forces," they indicate.

During three weeks in November, the GNR and Guardia Civil intensified surveillance and reinforced their presence, particularly in the Portuguese areas of the Algarve and in several districts in the province of Huelva.

During the operation, which ended on 25 November but was only announced today (Wednesday), more than 200 checkpoints were set up on different roads, more than 400 vehicles were checked and more than 900 people were identified.

The two police forces emphasise that "the increased police presence and coordination between the forces has significantly curbed the illegal activity of these organisations in cross-border areas, both in terms of drug trafficking and associated logistical activities, such as crew changes or the supply of provisions and equipment".

On the Portuguese side, the GNR participated in the operation through the Coastal and Border Control Unit (UCCF), the territorial commands of Faro and Beja, the Criminal Investigation Section of the Special Operations Intervention Group (GIOE), and the Portuguese Air Force.

On the Spanish side, controls and surveillance were carried out on land - with agents from Seguridad Ciudadana, COS, GAR, ARS, USECIC, Policía Judicial, EDOA and CRAIN; at sea - with the Servicio Marítimo Provincial de Huelva and the Grupo Marítimo del Estrecho (and the Coastal and Border Control Unit); and by air - with the PEGASO, SAER and Servicio Aéreo teams.

CMP/AYLS // AYLS

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