Drug trafficking has struck again on the coast of Cádiz, this time affecting Navy units participating in military exercises in El Retín, Barbate. Navy sources have confirmed that three semi-rigid boats, belonging to the Tactical Reconnaissance Unit, were stolen in the early hours of last Monday. All indications point to the boats being taken by drug trafficking gangs operating in the area.

These vessels, nearly 5 meters long and powered by 25-horsepower engines, were used to inspect the beach before the naval force's landing. After camouflaging them on the sand, the unit's marine team discovered their disappearance upon their return. In addition to the three boats, the thieves also took a dozen operational suits and tracking equipment.

The maneuvers, named FLOTEX-26, brought together over 2,000 military personnel and a dozen ships in the waters of Cádiz, using the El Retín training ground as a key area for a Marine Corps landing exercise. These exercises aim to train the Navy in managing fictitious crises and enhance maritime security.

Despite the success of the military deployment, the incident highlights the persistent activity of drug trafficking in the province of Cádiz. In 2025, the province recorded 770 known drug trafficking incidents, experiencing a 5.8% increase, the highest on the Andalusian coast along with Huelva. Cleared cases have significantly decreased in recent years.