'White Tide' in the Open Seas of Spain: 10 Tons of Cocaine and Istanbul Connection

Significant developments have occurred in the Turkish aspect of the 10-ton cocaine operation, recorded as 'one of the largest drug operations captured in a single instance in European history,' carried out off the Canary Islands of Spain. A maritime company based in Istanbul, alleged to be connected to the ship stopped in international waters, has been seized, and numerous suspects, including well-known public figures, have been detained.

The Spanish National Police (Policia Nacional) seized approximately 10 tons of cocaine during the 'Marea Blanca' (White Tide) operation conducted on the Tanzanian-flagged cargo ship named 'RAS' (also recorded as UNITED S) while it was sailing in the Atlantic Ocean. It was determined that the drugs were hidden among the ship's salt cargo. Following allegations that the ship was connected to Istanbul-based Kamer Shipping, simultaneous operations were initiated in Turkey.

The maritime aspect of the operation took place approximately 130 miles (some reports state 332 miles) off the coast of the Canary Islands on Africa's west coast. The Spanish police stopped the ship, which was making suspicious maneuvers, and towed it to the Port of Tenerife. The Turkish aspect of the investigation has been conducted based in Istanbul as of January 18, 2026, and precautionary measures were taken against the company's assets.

DETENTIONS AND SUSPECTS

As part of the investigation, 13 crew members from the ship were arrested in Spain, including Turkish citizens Kubilay Yalçın, Ali Osman Amanet, Remzi Karakaya, and Atanur Ateş.

The repercussions of the incident in Turkey were much broader. The Kamer Shipping company was seized as part of the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. Among the 7 individuals detained in Turkey were Çetin Gören, who previously came to prominence during the 'Swamp Operation,' as well as Engin Çavuş, Mesut Yalçın, Ahmad Almassri, Semra Almassri, Mehmet Bülent Aymen, and Fares Diab.

DETAILS OF THE OPERATION

Spanish narcotics units monitored the ship by sharing intelligence with international agencies such as the American DEA and the British NCA. It was determined that the ship followed irregular routes in satellite tracking and entered 'waiting' mode for drug transfer. During the raid, hundreds of bales of cocaine were found hidden beneath the salt sacks in the ship's hold. In Turkey, instead of appointing a trustee to the company for money laundering and drug trafficking charges, direct seizure procedures were implemented by examining MASAK reports and company records.

The operation was carried out to cut the drug route extending from South America to Europe. Experts emphasize that a shipment of this size (10 tons) could not be carried out without a very powerful and international criminal organization behind it.

DEFENSE FROM THE COMPANY: 'WE SOLD IT'

While the investigation continues, a response to the accusations has come from Kamer Shipping. Company officials claimed that the ship in question was sold to a foreign company months before the operation (in October 2025), but due to delays in updates in international databases, the ship still appeared to belong to them. The company denied any involvement in the incident or the drugs, rejecting the allegations.

While the processing of the detained suspects at the police continues, the management of the seized company has come under state supervision. Authorities reminded that the investigation is being conducted in confidentiality and that, according to the presumption of innocence, suspects will be considered innocent until proven guilty.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye