Customs seize nine cannabis bales following high speed chase

HM Custom’s marine section was involved in a high speed chase in the early hours of Tuesday morning, which resulted in the seizure of nine bales of cannabis resin.

The occupants of the suspect vessel, a high-powered RHIB, began jettisoning cargo as they were pursued by HMC Searcher, who discontinued the chase after the RHIB left British Gibraltar waters.

The crew on board HMC Searcher then returned to collect the bales and with the assistance of the Royal Gibraltar Police recovered a total of nine bales of cannabis resin.

The Collector of Customs has praised the officers involved in the chase and thanked the RGP for their assistance in recovering the bales.

The Collector said that this result exemplifies the great work undertaken by HMC Marine crews and the co-operation that exists between local law enforcement agencies.

Additionally, in a separate incident, the RGP were involved in a chase at sea on Tuesday night in area of Catalan Bay.

Officers detected a small inflatable boat which they suspected was loaded with cannabis resin.

They gave chase however the vessel navigator managed to get away into Spanish waters where Guardia Civil officers pursued the vessel in the direction of Guadiaro.