Cádiz Prosecutor's Office Proposes Reform to Expedite Destruction of Seized Narcolanchas

The Cádiz Prosecutor's Office has proposed a legal reform to expedite the destruction of narcolanchas that are seized in various operations against drug trafficking and that currently accumulate in judicial deposits and other storage spaces.

The proposal is included in the annual report of the Attorney General's Office for the year 2025. The aim is to amend Article 367 ter of the Criminal Procedure Law to allow for the early destruction of these high-speed vessels, considered prohibited goods since 2018, once the necessary technical reports and checks have been completed.

The measure seeks to address the saturation of deposits, especially in the province of Cádiz, where numerous narcolanchas seized by the Security Forces accumulate. This situation also poses security issues due to the risk of theft of engines and other components, as well as potential effects on public health and the environment.

Before these vessels were declared prohibited goods, they could be auctioned, but in some cases, they ended up being purchased again by individuals linked to drug trafficking.

Since 2018, seized narcolanchas must be destroyed, but the process is complex and slow. One of the main problems is their decontamination. Before proceeding with their destruction, it is necessary to remove the fuel and separate the different components.

This process is further complicated by the need for a judicial authorization to proceed with the dismantling. The Prosecutor's Office notes that the courts handling drug trafficking cases bear a heavy workload, which can delay these authorizations and prolong the stay of the vessels in the deposits.

Photo: Civil Guard