Sep 08 - Two Arrested After Sea Chase – 570 Kilos Of Cannabis Seized
The RGP and Gibraltar Defence Police (GDP) carried out a joint drugs operation in the early afternoon of Saturday 6th September in the area off Europa Point.
A suspect vessel was spotted heading back across the Straits from the Moroccan coast by a vigilant RGP officer on land. The officer maintained observations on the vessel which, due to its actions, aroused suspicion. The assistance of the GDP was then sought and they deployed with one of their RHIBs acting on the authority of the RGP under extended powers granted to them in such circumstances.
The GDP on directions from the RGP located and intercepted the vessel, with two occupants onboard, off Camp Bay whereupon the suspect vessel sped off whilst jettisoning one bale overboard.
A chase then ensued resulting in the GDP managing to intercept and board the vessel.
The vessel, a white Quicksilver 605 powered by a single Yamaha 150 horsepower outboard engine, was found to contain a total of 19 bales of Cannabis Resin weighing approximately 570 kilos.
The two occupants were found to be: Constantine PASCARU, aged 20 years, a Rumanian National, and Oscar MORALES PINERO, aged 35, a Spanish National resident of La Linea. Both were arrested and subsequently jointly charged with:
- Possession of a Controlled Drug (570 kilos of Cannabis Resin)
- Possession of a Controlled Drug With Intent to Supply (570 kilos of Cannabis Resin)
- Importing a Prohibited Import (570 kilos of Cannabis Resin)
PINERO was further charged with:
1. Dangerous Navigation
2. Obstructing Police
3. Possession of 1 gram of Cannabis Resin
Both have appeared at the Magistrates Court this morning where they have pleaded guilty. Their case has been adjourned for sentencing at the Supreme Court at a future date.
Both the Commissioner of Police and GDP’s Chief Police Officer have expressed their satisfaction at such an important detection of drugs which was destined for mainland Europe. They both highlighted the key work being carried out by the Marine Sections of both organisations in securing Gibraltar’s territorial waters and in the fight against international drug trafficking.
Commissioner Yome praised the “excellent cooperation” demonstrated in this case between all RGP and GDP officers involved in this case.
