Three Spanish Civil Guards Injured When Drug-Running Boat Rams Patrol Vessel in Murcia

A suspected drug-running boat carrying 20 fuel containers rammed a Civil Guard patrol vessel off Cabo Cope, near Águilas in Murcia, injuring three officers. The two people aboard were arrested.

The collision occurred as the occupants allegedly tried to avoid capture, according to the Unified Association of Civil Guards. One of the injured officers needed five stitches, although authorities did not disclose the extent of the other injuries.

Murcia government delegate Francisco Lucas said on X that he had spoken with the captain of the Civil Guard’s Maritime Service and the two other injured officers, offering his recognition for their work during the operation. Authorities said the boat had two engines and was located during a wider operation involving maritime, air and ground units.

“

Firm and constant surveillance of the coastline of the Region of Murcia to combat the operations of the mafias.

The arrests followed two others made on Monday in Cartagena. In that case, Maritime Service officers intercepted another boat 12 miles southeast of Monte Cenizas. Lucas reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fighting organizations involved in the activity and said security forces maintained “firm and constant surveillance of the coastline of the Region of Murcia to combat the operations of the mafias.”

The Civil Guard association criticized the government after the injuries, saying, “While the government looks the other way, our colleagues risk their lives with inferior equipment against organized drug trafficking.” Since August 15, authorities have recorded eight boats and about 300 people reaching Murcia’s coast by sea in operations involving migrant arrivals.

“

While the government looks the other way, our colleagues risk their lives with inferior equipment against organized drug trafficking.