Greece Arrests Three Over 2023 Spain Cocaine Ship Seizure

Greek authorities have arrested three individuals linked to the Greek-operated, Togo-flagged cargo ship Blume, which was seized by Spanish authorities in January 2023 off the Canary Islands carrying over 4.5 tons of cocaine hidden among its declared coffee cargo. The suspects, including the sole owner of the Piraeus-based company Dignatio Corp, a close relative, and an employee, face charges of forming a criminal organization, drug trafficking, and money laundering. The Blume had departed from Brazil en route to Latvia, and its crew of 15 was arrested during the Spanish raid. Initial investigations in Greece were slow and procedural, but progress accelerated after the Anti-Money Laundering Authority submitted a report to Greece's Coast Guard drug enforcement division, leading to months-long investigations and the arrests. The case highlights cooperation between Spanish authorities, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Togo police, and Greek agencies. This incident followed a similar 2023 seizure of another Togo-flagged vessel, the Orion V, also carrying large quantities of cocaine near the Canary Islands.