Police seize banned RHIB

Two Spanish nationals were arrested by police after a high-speed chase off Europa Point.

A police interceptor chased a 10.5m rigid-hulled inflatable boat powered by two 350hp engines as it performed dangerous and evasive manoeuvres yesterday morning, the Royal Gibraltar Police said.

The RHIB is of a type banned in Gibraltar under local legislation.

Customs officers on board HMC Seeker also assisted the the RGP.

Antonio Castillo Morillo, a 47-year old Spanish national resident in La Linea, was charged with operating a fast launch without a licence, importing a prohibited import, obstructing police and possession of a small amount of cannabis resin.

Antonio Moreno Aguilera, 48 years old and also from La Linea, was charged with importing a prohibited import.

Both men admitted the charges and were fined £1,700 and £1,500 respectively at the Magistrates Court yesterday morning.

Their vessel, additional fuel, communications and navigation equipment and other provisions were forfeited.