The NRP Zaire created curiosity this morning as it was seen passing through the waters of Calheta towing a speedboat.
Photo Marine Traffic
The patrol ship, which is currently stationed as part of the Portuguese Navy’s detachment to the island archipelago and is under the command of the Captaincy of the Port of Funchal, left last night for the north coast of Madeira, as seen in a Marine Traffic image.
The interception of the speedboat took place at dawn (01:00). Although the reason for this operation is unknown, it may have been a rescue operation; but this type of speedboat is usually associated with the transport of drugs or illegal goods. The mission lasted approximately an hour in an area north-northwest of Ponta do Pargo.
Photo Marine Traffic
At the time of writing this article, it was not known if the NRP Zaire was also carrying the speedboats’ crew.
Photo DR
DIÁRIO contacted the Captaincy of the Port of Funchal, but so far has not received confirmation that it is a successful drug trafficking seizure operation.
Later this afternoon, it was confirmed that five men had been detained under suspicion of drug trafficking.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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