Nur-Zeynep Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

**Title: Major Cocaine Operation Foiled: Dutch Criminals Apprehended in Historic Seizure** In a dramatic turn of events, a valuable tip from a confidential informant led Dutch authorities to a historic bust involving a staggering quantity of cocaine aboard the vessel 'Arconian'. The ship, which was intercepted off the coast of Western Sahara, harbored five Dutch nationals and a Sudanese individual, all of whom were apprehended by a specialized unit from Spain’s Guardia Civil. The crew was discovered hiding in the fore section of the ship, heavily armed with an arsenal that included three machine guns, two handguns, and numerous rounds of ammunition. Their primary mission was to safeguard the enormous shipment of cocaine, which was cleverly concealed behind a metal door in an extensive gallery on the vessel. Initially, it was unclear how much cocaine was on board, but recent confidential documents from Spanish authorities have unveiled the shocking truth: a whopping 1,279 packages totaling 30,216 kilograms. This monumental seizure marks the largest quantity of cocaine ever intercepted globally, with an estimated street value of approximately €812 million. Additionally, the authorities confiscated over 42,000 liters of fuel, stored in 2,108 jerrycans. Among the Dutch suspects, several have prior connections to law enforcement. Notably, Alexander T. (36), a Rotterdam native, has a severe past, having received a seven-year prison sentence in 2010 for an attempted murder at an Antillean party. His co-conspirator, Jomairo M. (22) from Almere, was previously arrested at the port of Rotterdam in 2023, allegedly while trying to retrieve illicit drugs. Another suspect, Xavier S. (33) from Groningen, is set to face trial in February 2026 for laundering stolen goods exceeding a ton. The 'Arconian' set sail from Sierra Leone on April 22, making its way towards Libya. More than a week later, Dutch investigative services provided a crucial lead regarding the ship’s illicit cargo, corroborated by insights from the American Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). It has been revealed that the plan involved offloading the cocaine onto high-speed boats in the open sea, dodging inspections at regular ports in hopes of relocating the drugs to Spain. The sheer magnitude of this drug operation has led investigators to suspect the involvement of notorious criminal figure ‘Bolle Jos’ Leijdekkers, noted as the Netherlands' most wanted fugitive. Leijdekkers, currently evading a 24-year prison sentence for drug trafficking and violent crimes, has reportedly been residing in Sierra Leone and is believed to be connected romantically to the daughter of the country's president. For more details and exclusive photos of the raid, visit the full story here: [Dutch Criminals Guarding Record Cocaine Shipment](https://www.ad.nl/binnenland/nederlanders-met-machinegeweren-bewaakten-recordpartij-van-30-000-kilo-cocaine~af9c477f/).

**Title: Significant Drug Trafficking Bust: 23 Crew Members Detained Following Major Cocaine Seizure Near Canary Islands** In a monumental operation led by law enforcement, 23 crew members aboard the vessel 'Arconian' have been placed in provisional detention after authorities intercepted the ship in the waters near the Canary Islands. The operation revealed a staggering load of between 30 and 50 tons of cocaine, marking one of the largest drug seizures in maritime history. The detention was ordered by National Court Judge Ismael Moreno after the suspects faced the court on May 6. Judge Moreno has charged the detainees with serious offenses, including drug trafficking and involvement in a criminal organization, although details of the case currently remain sealed. Previously, the largest cocaine haul intercepted at sea in Europe was around 10 tons during an operation in January, also near the Canary Islands. The current bust is purported to be three to four times larger, eclipsing Spain's prior record of 13 tons seized at the port of Algeciras in 2024. During the investigation, authorities are exploring possible links between the intercepted shipment and the Mocro Maffia, a notorious criminal syndicate based in the Netherlands, prompting Dutch law enforcement's involvement in the operation. The ship was discovered to have six heavily armed individuals onboard, and the cocaine was concealed behind a sealed metal panel, specifically designed to evade detection. Approximately 1,500 bales of cocaine, each weighing between 25 to 30 kilos, were recovered from the vessel's hold. As the investigation unfolds, the 'Arconian' is currently docked at the port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, heavily monitored by police forces. This exceptional seizure not only highlights the ongoing issue of drug trafficking but also underscores the international cooperation required to combat such formidable criminal organizations.

Title: Landmark Cocaine Bust in Spain: A Record-Breaking Seizure Content: The Spanish Civil Guard is actively conducting a thorough investigation of the freighter 'Arconian' at the Navy base in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, as directed by the National Court. On May 5, the Government Delegation in the Canary Islands revealed that the cocaine seized from the vessel has shattered previous records, potentially amounting to three to four times the largest haul ever recorded in Spain. While the Civil Guard has not disclosed detailed information regarding the ongoing operation due to the confidential nature of the investigation, the Unified Association of Civil Guards has indicated that the 'Arconian' was allegedly transporting approximately 50 tons of cocaine. This staggering amount reportedly carries an estimated street value between 3 to 3.5 billion euros. Law enforcement officials apprehended 23 crew members hailing from the Philippines, the Netherlands, and Angola during the operation. These individuals have since been transferred to Madrid, where they will face an investigating judge on May 6. The judge is expected to make crucial decisions regarding their potential pre-trial detention and considerations for extradition, as well as the possibility of a collective trial in Spain. For detailed reports accompanied by images, visit: [La Voz de Lanzarote](https://www.lavozdelanzarote.com/en/news/events/the-freighter-arconian-was-transporting-30-to-45-of-cocaine-the-largest-haul-in-many-years_243152_102.html) and [RTL](https://www.rtl.nl/nieuws/artikel/5598299/mogelijk-50-ton-cocaine-op-smokkelschip-nederlanders-bolle-jos-canarische).

**Title: Guardia Civil's Elite Unit Seizes Over 30 Tons of Cocaine from Freighter Off Canary Islands** In a significant anti-drug operation on the night of May 1, 2026, a specialized team from the Guardia Civil successfully apprehended the freighter 'Arconian', seizing more than 30 tons of cocaine approximately 200 nautical miles from Tenerife's coast. The illicit cargo was cleverly concealed within the vessel's hull. The 'Arconian', which embarked from Freetown on April 22, was reportedly heading towards Libya. This interception marks a historic milestone, representing the largest cocaine haul ever captured in the high seas surrounding the Canary Islands. Authorities stated that the precise weight of the seized drugs will only be confirmed once they are weighed onshore. Following its capture, the freighter was towed to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria port for further investigation. Investigators suspect that the cocaine was not intended for a single offload, but was likely to be gradually smuggled ashore using smaller crafts operating around the Canary Islands and through the Strait of Gibraltar. The operation saw collaboration from various elite teams, including the "Grupo de Reserva y Seguridad Nummer 8" (Security and Protection Group Number 8) and the Unidad Especial de Intervención (Special Intervention Unit), a distinguished group under the Guardia Civil. The initial approach to the 'Arconian' was executed with precision; officers utilized a patrol boat, then boarded the freighter using rigid inflatable boats. The crew comprised 23 individuals, with 17 hailing from the Philippines and six from Angola. The Filipinos were predominantly tasked with navigation and seamanship, while the Angolan crew members appeared responsible for cargo security, some armed with pistols and assault rifles, including the AK-47 and M16. These weapons were allegedly meant to deter possible confrontations from rival drug factions. During the operation, hidden firearms were discovered in the ship's bow, but they were not used during the intervention by Guardia Civil operatives. The presence of gasoline canisters onboard indicated a well-planned setup, likely meant to fuel speedy boats for transporting the cocaine ashore. As investigations continue, the Audiencia Nacional has mandated that proceedings remain confidential, with more details unlikely to surface shortly. Current market assessments indicate that one kilogram of cocaine holds a wholesale value of approximately €13,000 in Spain. Thus, the entire confiscated shipment could be worth between €390 million and €520 million, depending on the final weight. Notably, the 'Arconian' was formerly known as 'Nur Zeynep' before its name change and reflagging to the Comoros on February 16. For further insights and media coverage on this major interception, please visit: - [Fuerteventura Zeitung](https://www.fuerteventurazeitung.de/2026/05/polizei-entert-frachter-mit-30-tonnen-kokain-nahe-kanaren-besatzung-mit-sturmgewehren-bewaffnet/) - [El País](https://elpais.com/espana/2026-05-03/la-guardia-civil-intercepta-en-alta-mar-un-carguero-con-un-gigantesco-alijo-de-cocaina.html) - [La Voz de Galicia](https://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia/espana/2026/05/04/20-detenidos-tras-interceptar-cerca-gran-canaria-buque-mayor-alijo-cocaina-espana/00031777891231512175534.htm) - [RTVC](https://rtvc.es/interceptado-un-buque-con-hasta-45-toneladas-de-cocaina-que-ya-se-encuentra-en-el-puerto-de-las-palmas-3-mayo-2026/)