Spanish Authorities Release Footage of Record Cocaine Seizure Linked to Freetown Vessel

Spanish authorities have released the first footage from a major anti-drug operation in which they intercepted a vessel carrying a record 30 tonnes of cocaine, reportedly linked to Freetown, Sierra Leone.

The operation, carried out by Spain’s Civil Guard, is described as one of the largest cocaine seizures ever recorded in Europe. International reports indicate that the vessel, identified as the MV Arconian, allegedly departed Freetown on 22 April 2026 before being intercepted en route to the Mediterranean.

Videos and images released by Spanish authorities show armed officers boarding the cargo vessel and securing large quantities of suspected cocaine during the operation.

In response, the Office of National Security (ONS) stated that Sierra Leonean authorities have not yet received any official communication from Spain regarding the incident.

The security sector, however, confirmed that preliminary inquiries and inter-agency assessments have commenced to establish the facts surrounding the vessel, its voyage history, and port movements.

“The Security Sector assures the public and international partners that this matter is being treated seriously and professionally,” the ONS said in a press release issued on 7 May 2026.

Authorities also emphasized Sierra Leone’s commitment to combating transnational organised crime and upholding international security standards.

The ONS further encouraged anyone with credible information related to the matter to contact the Criminal Investigation Department as investigations continue.