Aug 07 - Spanish Fishing Vessel Seized By RGP In Tobacco Smuggling Operation
At around 4am today, 7th August, officers of the Royal Gibraltar Police, arrested three Spanish nationals and three local men following an operation to combat tobacco smuggling.
The three Spanish nationals, aged 46, 49 and 51, all residents of La Linea, Spain, were arrested on board the fishing vessel “San Francisco”, whilst off Catalan Bay. The three locals two of whom are aged 38 and the third 42 were arrested on the beach at Catalan Bay.
Two vessels have been seized pending further investigation, one the “San Francisco,” the second an open hulled rowing boat. All six remain in police custody whilst investigations continue.
This particular fishing vessel had been the subject of intelligence previously provided by Guardia Civil to the Royal Gibraltar Police as it was suspected to be engaged in illicit activity within BGTW.
The Royal Gibraltar Police would like to emphasise that these arrests are unrelated to any fishing or nature protection legislation matters.
