Cocaine worth USD 34 million seized in Atlantic

Portuguese police have intercepted a Brazilian trawler in the Atlantic Ocean and seized cocaine worth 34 million US dollars. The police has detained seven persons in connection with the case.

Almada:Portuguese police have intercepted a Brazilian trawler in the Atlantic Ocean and seized cocaine with a street value of more than 34 million US dollars.

Officials said the drug was heading to Europe, and that the seizure came after a joint operation with Brazilian authorities, the US Drug Enforcement Administration and Britain's National Crime Agency.

Police said the Portuguese navy and air force helped snare the ship, which was taken to a naval base near the Portuguese capital Lisbon.

The search found 1.1 metric tons of cocaine concealed in a specially designed compartment. Seven foreigners were detained.

Police said the operation took place in recent days at high sea, closer to the Brazilian coast.