The Minister of the Interior has expressed his regret over the accident that occurred off the coast of Huelva, where two Civil Guard officers lost their lives during an anti-drug trafficking operation. In an institutional appearance, he conveyed his condolences to the families and wished a speedy recovery to the two seriously injured officers. The incident reopens the debate on safety in these tasks.
Drones and radars: technology against drug boats 🚁
The operation is part of the fight against drug trafficking on the Andalusian coast, where drug boats take advantage of the night and high speed. The Civil Guard uses surveillance systems such as coastal radars and thermal drones to detect suspicious vessels. However, the danger of interceptions at sea remains a technical challenge. Officers operate with rigid-hulled inflatable boats that, despite their maneuverability, offer little protection against impacts or evasive maneuvers. Improving this equipment is a recurring demand.
The Minister: We are very sorry, but the drug traffickers keep sailing ⛵
The Minister has been dismayed, although some on social media are already joking about his ability to show up only when there is a drama. Meanwhile, drug boats continue to sail the Atlantic as if it were a toll-free highway. One wonders if condolences travel faster than the traffickers' boats. At least the injured officers will be able to tell the story of how a patrol boat can turn into an improvised submarine. Ironies of fate.